My daughter recently made the decision to shave her legs. She felt it was time, especially since many of her friends were arriving at school in shorts with smooth legs. I assured her that I supported her choice and would assist her, but I also emphasized that managing body hair was entirely up to her. Whether she chose to shave now, later, or not at all was her decision.
She opted to go ahead, and we sat on the edge of the tub while I shaved her legs. That was a few weeks ago, and she hasn’t expressed any desire to do it again. Maybe it wasn’t as monumental as she thought, or perhaps she simply doesn’t mind having body hair. Either way, I’m perfectly fine with it.
During my middle school years, shaving legs was a rite of passage. Girls were expected to flaunt this new skill, wearing shorts or skirts regardless of the weather. The societal pressure was immense—if you weren’t shaving by fifth or seventh grade, you were somehow falling behind.
I didn’t have much leg hair to begin with, but I succumbed to the peer pressure to fit in. I ended up with nicked skin and a few burns from hair-removal lotions. Shaving turned out to be nothing like I had imagined. In my youthful mind, I thought that using a razor would magically enhance my popularity and beauty.
In my childhood, not shaving body hair was associated with being a hippie. Nowadays, many people choose to embrace their natural hair growth, opting out of painful hair removal methods. It’s refreshing to see this shift. I remember my first experience with hair removal lotion, where I applied it too liberally and ended up with red, irritated skin. It was a harsh lesson learned.
My social media is now filled with images of women proudly showcasing their unshaven armpits, questioning why women should have to shave when men don’t. When did it become acceptable to inflict pain on ourselves for beauty’s sake?
I’m teaching my kids that if they feel ready and responsible enough to shave, they can certainly do so, and I’ll guide them on how to do it safely. However, if they prefer not to, that’s perfectly fine too. They can always change their minds or choose to embrace their body hair.
This body hair positivity extends to all aspects of their self-expression, including clothing, hairstyles, and interests. As long as their choices are suitable for the occasion—like adhering to school dress codes—and safe, what’s the issue? Childhood is an opportunity to experiment and discover.
My kids have participated in activities where they were the only one of their gender. For instance, my daughter played roller hockey one year, and one of my sons is the only boy in his drum class. It’s inspiring to watch them thrive in areas that challenge traditional gender norms, as they would have missed out on valuable experiences otherwise.
Like many parents, I grew up in a time when girls played with dolls and were expected to shave their legs, while boys played with trucks. It’s been wonderful to see the barriers between gendered clothing and activities begin to dissolve. Why did we ever adhere to such restrictive rules?
I vividly recall the discomfort of wearing tights to formal occasions as a child. They were hot, itchy, and restrictive, while the boys got to wear comfortable khakis with pockets. I want to spare my children from those uncomfortable experiences.
If body hair makes them feel comfortable, it can stay. If they wish to remove it, that’s also their choice. They don’t need to justify their decisions to anyone. Adolescence is a time for both fitting in and standing out, and it’s crucial they learn what feels right for them. This period is also an opportunity for them to set healthy boundaries, understanding that they don’t owe anyone an explanation for their choices.
I hope to see more parents embracing body hair and promoting body positivity. I want my kids to understand that it’s perfectly acceptable to choose not to alter their bodies. Regardless of their decisions, I want them to learn to respect others’ choices as well. We’d all be happier if we focused on our own body choices.
For further insights, check out this article on home insemination and explore this authoritative resource about pregnancy options. For more information on IVF, visit this excellent resource here.
Summary
In this article, Laura Mitchell discusses the importance of allowing children to make their own choices regarding body hair, encouraging body positivity and self-expression. She reflects on her own experiences with societal pressures surrounding shaving and highlights the need for children to feel comfortable in their own skin, free from judgment. The focus is on fostering a supportive environment where children can explore their identities and respect the choices of others.