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TLC"Childhood is losing its innocence," remarks Sister Wolf on her Goddamit I’m Mad Blog. Her frustration stems from a NY Post article highlighting girls as young as six undergoing regular waxing for legs, armpits, and eyebrows. I didn’t experience eyebrow waxing until 31—though I might have started sooner if I’d known my brows resembled caterpillars.
Though pre-teen waxing may seem unsettling, societal norms have shifted. Today, young girls often indulge in manicures, pedicures, and spa treatments well before their teenage years. They use makeup and own cell phones. My mom gave my daughter her first manicure at 2 1/2 (admittedly, the photos of her soaking her tiny nails were irresistibly cute), whereas my friend Eileen didn’t get hers until her 20s.
But, truly, at what age is it too early for …
Mobile Phones
A C&R Research study reveals that 26% of children aged 8 to 11 owned cellphones in 2008, a significant rise from 7% in 2003. The Iconowatch Blog suggests this shift isn’t solely due to kids wanting to chat but is driven by parents seeking a “tech-enabled leash” to ensure their children’s safety.
Despite the growing trend, many parents are resisting—at least until their children can contribute financially. My friend Mary Jo shared that her 9-year-old desperately wants a cellphone (since all his peers have one), but she remains adamant. “He’d lose it,” she reasoned. “He can’t even keep track of a jacket.” She plans to wait until he’s around 12 and can earn money to cover replacement costs.
My colleague Jen mentioned her 7-year-old has been begging for a phone (because everyone else has one), but she’s firmly saying “no.” “When she’s old enough to go out alone, like walking to the store, I’ll think about getting her a kid-friendly phone that only allows calls to Mom, Dad, and Grammy.” For now, she’s given her an old, disconnected phone to carry around and feel cool.
While a phone might appear to be an unnecessary luxury, it can also serve as a practical tool. My sister bought one for her son at 11, while my sister-in-law waited until 13. In both instances, the phones were intended to help their children communicate about rides and other necessities.
Manicures and Pedicures
Many of us likely didn’t experience our first manicure until after college (some not even until receiving an engagement ring and finally noticing their hands). However, the affordability and widespread availability of walk-in nail salons have changed the game. My sister has been treating her daughters to professional manicures and pedicures since they were toddlers (now nearly 5 and 8). “Alexa enjoys getting her nails done followed by a chair massage,” she says about her 8-year-old.
My friend Kellie admits she feels “a bit guilty each time,” but she occasionally takes her 6-year-old for pedicures. “While it’s completely unnecessary for her, it’s a delightful, relaxing, and entertaining activity we share,” she explains. “We ‘read’ magazines together and pick out our favorite outfits. It’s a wonderful way to focus solely on each other without any interruptions.”
Waxing and Spa Treatments
Although none of my friends have taken their daughters for waxing or spa treatments, the International Spa Association reports that over half of the nearly 14,000 spas in the U.S. provide packages tailored for families, teens, or children. This trend seems far more divisive than manicures and pedicures. Diane E. Levin, an education professor, expressed concern in MSNBC.com, stating, “It concerns me because it sends the message that happiness stems from appearance and consumption rather than learning and self-development.”
However, some argue that emphasizing the health benefits of spa treatments, rather than the aesthetic aspects, can make it a beneficial experience. This might hold true for massages, but waxing eyebrows, legs, or other body parts—not so much.
What are your thoughts on children wearing makeup, high heels, getting their ears pierced, or using devices like cell phones or iPods? At what age do you think such activities or devices become appropriate?
