My 11-year-old daughter, Mia, has become quite the makeup aficionado. With the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, she’s mastered techniques like contouring and eyebrow shaping, and even experiments with DIY cosmetics using my baking supplies. Who knew cocoa powder could double as bronzer?
Shopping for makeup with her is an enjoyable experience. We explore different brushes and share products, then come home to play with them. However, things don’t always go as planned. Once, I attempted to fill in my brows, and Mia looked at me in horror, exclaiming, “Mom, I can’t take you seriously like that!” Despite my 25 years of makeup experience, I trust her judgment; she’s got an eye for beauty.
When Mia requests to wear eyeshadow and mascara every day, I can’t help but relate to her. I remember my own childhood desire to feel glamorous, believing that makeup could boost my confidence. Yet, I’m determined to hold off on her daily makeup routine for now.
For the moment, makeup is a fun activity. I allow her to experiment at home with friends or wear mascara for special events like performances. But as for daily use? That’s a firm no.
Mia has shared that she doesn’t see herself the way I do when I tell her she’s beautiful without makeup. I remember not believing my own mom’s compliments at that age, so I understand her perspective.
Mia’s persistence is admirable. I’ve witnessed her determination on the basketball court and during swim lessons, where she learned to swim by copying her older brother. But my resolve is stronger; I won’t let her transition into adulthood too quickly.
At only 11, she shouldn’t feel the need to wake up earlier to apply makeup or master contouring. She should be enjoying her childhood, spending extra time snuggling with our dog, and savoring healthy breakfasts instead of fretting over mascara that would smudge during her sports activities.
I tend to be a “yes” mom, but when it comes to allowing my children to rush through their childhood, it’s an emphatic no. Mia has decades ahead of her filled with adult responsibilities; she can explore makeup then. This precious stage of her life, where she’s still a child but yearns to be grown-up, is fleeting and fragile. I refuse to let her rush through it.
As her mother, I have the final say. While I support her experimenting with makeup for fun, it’s my responsibility to prevent it from becoming a daily ritual that she feels she must complete to feel beautiful. Mia needs to embrace her natural beauty and confidence now before we move forward into makeup later.
As parents, we can’t halt the passage of time, but we can help our children appreciate their current phase of life. Right now, Mia is too young for daily makeup, so I firmly say, “Not yet.”
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In summary, navigating a child’s desire for makeup can be challenging, but it’s crucial to prioritize their childhood and self-acceptance over societal pressures.