Makeover parties galore
I recently read an article in one of the English papers, written by a former weathergirl, that expressed her shock at her eight-year-old daughter being invited to a makeover party.
She expressed her fear that society is sexualising children, and her horror that other mothers allow their daughters to participate in parties where they put on make-up and dress up.
My daughter’s sixth birthday party was the make-over (hair and princess dresses, don’t remember make-up). Last year was Hanna Montana, and this year was Grease.
I’d love to keep her away from all things grown-up and therefore absurdly tempting, but I fear it will be fighting a losing battle, particularly in an age when turning on the Disney Channel no longer means Mickey Mouse, but instead Zack and Cody and iCarly.
Every time I turn my back Mini-me is in my closet, usually with either the hot pink stiletto platforms, or the lime green ones, posing in front of the mirror.
I’d love to agree with the weather girl. In fact, I have a wardrobe full of gorgeous old-fashioned dresses with Peter Pan collars, most of which have never been worn, for they are far too ‘uncool’ for my precocious daughter.
My make-up regularly disappears, to be found in her bedroom.
And I found this the other day.
She is seven going on seventeen, yet my hope is that she is being taught the right values, and how to make the right choices, so a bit of sparkly make-up isn’t going to make a blind bit of difference.
November 20th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I agree fully with you on this Jane. Make up parties where they dress up in costumes and recreate favorite movie and TV scenes is nothing new! I remember doing Grease parties and stuff!! As long as children are raised with values and morals, playing dress-up is just that, playing. I ahd glittery make-up from a young age, always dressed up in Mums pretty clothes and wore her highest heels. I now wear NO make-up unless I’m going out, can’t walk in heels and hate dresses!! It means nothing as you grow up. I was never damaged by these parties. I’m a good person, never drank or smoked or slept around. I say let Santa bring the Barbey decorate doll and the Hanna Montana makeup. You’re only young once!! xx
November 20th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Ulrika ka ka …read it too. Also was surprised by her take on it. Yes she was a Tomboy raised by her dad in Sweden….but her kids aren’t like that are they? love the letter to Santa though…….is this her 1st wish list and is it likely to stay as is or will there be changes??? (one of mine is already on draft two, advising Santa to ignore the 1st wish list….and it’s not even December).
November 21st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Jane,
Having three daughters myself, I can fully understand. My oldest who will be 14 in a few weeks really never went through that stage. Although my 7 year old and 3 year old are. Yes, I said three year old. She doesn’t wear makeup but she does insist on dressing up in dresses all the time and play high heels. I have caught her in my closet with my shoes on. As long as you give your kids the right moral values, a little pretend and dress up is fine.