Blogging inspiration can come from the most random places and at the most random times. While browsing the net. While sitting in rush hour traffic [and going out of my mind]. While washing my hair (this one is the most annoying). And, most recently, while standing in line at the gas station.
So there I was, eyeing the racks of I-don’t-need-these-things-but-they-look-so-appealing-right-now while I waited to pay for my purchase, when my ears picked up a snippet of conversation from the mother/daughter pair standing behind me. The shock of the entire situation interfered with my ability to recall the exact words that were spoken, but it went something like this, and please keep in mind that the little girl was a scrawny little thing and all of 6 or 7 years old.
Daughter: “Mommy, can I have that bag of Skittles?”
Mother: “You don’t want that. It’ll make you fat.”
I.was.shocked. I mean, I remember my mom telling me I couldn’t eat something because it would ruin my teeth or give me a stomach ache, but nowhere in my memory banks can I recall a time where my mom told me I couldn’t eat something because it would make me gain weight. Never. And although my mom didn’t give in to all of my pleas for sweet treats, not once did she bring up weight or suggest that I should feel bad for enjoying some candy.
I know the development of an eating disorder is a lot more complex than simply having a parent model negative thoughts and behaviors in front of their child, and my own mom’s levelheaded approach to food obviously didn’t save me from succumbing to an eating disorder when I got older, but at least I was blissfully free of disordered thoughts during my younger years. At least I was allowed to be a kid.
It breaks my heart to see young girls missing out on their childhoods because they’re too busy thinking about calories and weight. 7-year-olds on diets? 8-year-olds suffering from anorexia? Ugh… there really are no words. And don’t even get me started on the psychotic-ness that is beauty pageantry. I seriously just want to hug all those girls, give them a cookie and a teddy bear, and tell them to go play…
I realize this might make me sound like an old fart, but kids seem to be growing up way too fast these days. Wearing makeup, rockin’ cell phones, worrying about how they look… My mom let me start using mascara and eyeshadow when I turned 16, and I didn’t get my first cell phone until I was 18. As for worrying about how I looked… well… I’d do my best to smooth down my cowlick bangs after a goofy night’s sleep made them stick straight up.
I realize that times are changing, but dang… talk about reminiscing about the good old days. What ever happened to just letting kids be kids? Or has the concept of childhood become so radically different from what I remember? I have to admit that I’m not exposed to a lot of kids on a regular basis so my assumptions might be way off, but tell me… has anyone else noticed the same thing? It honestly scares me to think of what times are going to be like when I have my own kids…
And just for fun… How old were you when you started wearing makeup? And at what age did you get your first cell phone?
The thing that bugs me is when I hear adults talking to little girls, I mean really little ones, babies practically, and focusing their comments on things like “You’re so pretty!” “I love your sparkly dress!” to the exclusion of talking about anything other than appearance and beauty. Poor girls, so much pressure about appearance from so young!
Very true. Or not letting them play outside because they might get dirty or scratched up. So sad.
Wow that is so sad, I used to be a ballerina and they trained us to not eat certain foods at a certain age but it was like 12 when you are about to hit puberty but not like that. Those are the children that always ended up gorging themselves at birthday parties because their parents never let them have candies and treats, I remember that as a young girl. I think the media puts enough stress about appearance on us that having such strict guidelines just creates eating disorders like no other! I hope times change I mean I am not saying we should let kids eat anything they want but the thought of a kid worrying about getting fat because of their parent telling them candy equals fat is just wrong! Thank you for sharing Amanda, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Love + Shine Courtstar
Ick, that really bothers me. Comments like that can create a really unhealthy relationship with food. I feel bad for that girl. 🙁 I’m so glad my parents weren’t like that, for the most part. My mom kind of was (saying I should probably switch to diet soda when I was 12, etc.) but I pretty much ignored her because I ate whatever I wanted anyway/already had a really healthy relationship with food, probably influenced by my dad. Some of my favorite memories with him are eating hot fudge brownie sundaes, without a care in the world that I would get “fat.”
Anyway, I think I started wearing eye make-up when I was 12 (which is pretty much all I do now anyway) and got my phone around the same time. I’m pretty sure I was one of the first to get a cell phone, or at least around the average age back then. Now I feel like it’s getting younger and younger, and kids will probably get them when they first learn to talk eventually. Cell phones are just becoming so pervasive.
OMG, that is horrible! I think there definitely needs to be moderation with sweets and other junk foods, but I’ll be damned if I ever told one of my children they couldn’t have something because it would make them fat. That is ludicrous!!!! I’m all for encouraging my 3 kids to be more active, and if they are still hungry after their meal to please have more fruits and vegetables, but NEVER EVER EVER would I tell one of them to diet or mention fat/skinny to them.
I think it’s sad the way the mom responded. I also think its horribly sad when I see families with overweight children at the grocery store and not a single fresh fruit or vegetable in the cart. It’s not good for kids to grow up on pop tarts Mac n cheese and Mountain Dew alone. I think it’s parents responsibility to teach their kids to make healthy choices and enjoy everything in moderation.
I definitely agree with your point of this post. My old high school just had their prom, and there were many pictures on Facebook with girls in very revealing dresses. I remember my prom as something with formal ball gowns, not halloween costumes.
Yes, times ARE changing like crazy but that should never be an excuse for parents to be harsh with their words. I’m sure that woman doesn’t mean to instill negativity in her daughter’s mind, but it’s amazing how easily we (especially kids) can get affected by the littlest remarks, especially if it’s regarding self esteem, weight, etc. 🙁 I have to admit that the biggest fear next to boys taking advantage of my soon-coming daughter, was, and sometimes still is, the whole body image issue that seems to plague women. I pray really hard that I won’t pass down any careless remarks or subliminal messages down to her because of my past struggles. I know that any problems or habits we may have had in the past can always try to come back to harass us, but the key is to cast those things out and know who we really are, and that we are now a new creation. 🙂 Thanks for sharing about that because it’s something that has always been so dear to my heart, and you shared your thoughts so perfectly! <33
ps: I got a cell phone when I was….15, 16? It's insane that kids nowadays get them at 3rd or 4th grade!
I HATE hearing things like this, and sadly I hear it more you would think. I always want to say something, but I realize that it isn’t my place.
I started wearing makeup earlier than a lot of kids…I think I was 13, but my mom would only allow me to wear concealer because I had really bad acne and it was influencing my self-esteem. Other “unnecessary” makeup like eyeliner and mascara weren’t allowed until I was about 16. A cell phone on the other hand? I shared my parents cellphones until I was a freshman in highschool…so 15 I think. The only reason my parents allowed me to get one was because my older sister was driving to swim practice early one morning and got lost and had no way to call home! So my parents got us all our own cell phones…for safety purposes only.
Here’s another direction to consider this from. When I was a kid, I was very, very underweight. I graduated at 5’7′, 95 lbs, simply because I had a very high metabolism. I ate all the time. It was a joke between my friends and I that I was a bottomless pit for food. Ate and ate and ate and never gained. But it didn’t stop “well-meaning” people from constantly thrusting fattening or sugary food at me because “You need to put some meat on those bones. That’s sick.” Whereas most people have enough of a heart not to blatantly call someone they deem overweight “fat” or any other barbed adjective, no one had a problem with ripping into me for being “nasty skinny.” But no one thought to hand me something healthy, it was always something notoriously bad for you, in hopes of “plumping” me up. If I ate a salad, I got stares of pity or disgust. Eating healthy food was SURELY a sign that I had an ED, right? I probably just went into the bathroom and threw it all up, right?! No, I just really freakin’ liked salad. Salad dressing is good. So is cheddar and bacon bits.
So there can be really idiotic people on both ends of the spectrum. As far as I’m concerned, “It’ll make you fat” is as dangerous as a well-aimed pinch and “Would you eat already? You look so gross.”
Wow Nicole, thanks so much for sharing about our story! It’s truly eye opening how it can be just the same way for someone at the other end of the spectrum. It’s just a good reminder that we should never judge a child, and simply try to help them adopt healthier habits for their own good and health through wholesome means.
I’ve definitely noticed the double standard when it comes to comments concerning weight, and I completely agree with you that it can be just as insensitive and cruel. Personally, I try to avoid commenting on people’s bodies, either one way or the other. If there’s some kind of concern, there are better ways to handle it than calling someone too fat or too skinny.
It really is how sad kids are growing up so quickly 🙁 When I was younger all I needed was some chalk to have a good time!… Heck, I bet I can still have a old time with a blacktop driveway and some chalk
Oh yes,I absolutely know what you’re talking about…
I truly hate hearing,seeing or even only reading about parents raising their children this way. It makes me so angry and so,so sad to hear kids are incited to eat only “healthy” foods,watch nutririon labels and exercise just to “keep {or GET} in shape”.
I myself have started dieting when I was like seven years old; first cutting out fat,then counting weight watchers points with eight… Until my anorexia started with 13,I had been through COUNTLESS diets,and let me just say I wish I could turn back time because I had NO childhood.
In my case,it was ME who came up with all that crap,my mom has nothing to do with it at all – she would never have told me to not eat candy or anything; in fact,she kept telling me I had no reason to lose weight as I was never overweight,I just felt different.
However,it’s shocking where our society seems to be going to. I mean,aren’t there other things people can worry about instead of food and weight? It’s awful where most of us are setting their priorities actually. And even if I hate to admit this – it’s so. damn. selfish!
oh that just kills me too. I don’t think kids should use the word fat or skinny until 18. No really, it ruins our view of health. My niece says skinny or fat to people all the time. Have NO IDEA where she learned it. Breaks my HEART
Oh…my…god!! My eyes seriously about bugged out of my head when I read the mother’s response!! What tha-? Holy crap!! That is just INSANE! They actually covered a whole chapter in the Intuitive Eating book on raising children to be intuitive eaters (or in other words, how not to mess them up and make them lose sense of the intuitiveness they are born with) and one of the biggest points made was making sure to watch the negative connotations when it comes to food and body image. The old saying is true: Little pictures have big ears. And some of the things children hear can never be unheard. It’s amazing how moldable they can be at that age…but that also opens them up to a lot of vulnerability.
I think it is crazy how fast kids are growing up these days. I mean seriously, they are NOT miniature adults! The technology, the dress…it baffles my mind! I took a shortcut in Target the other day through the little girls clothing section and was SHOCKED at some of the outfits for sale! I’m sorry but if I ever have children one day, I’m not about to let my 6 year old girl run around in a mini skirt and a mid-drift top! Call me old fashioned or a stick in the mud or whatever, I don’t care! My kids are going to wear t-shirts and play in the dirt and know how to use their imaginations! Ok, rant over…for now. 😉
And to answer your questions: My mom let me start wearing make up when I got to high school (so like 14) but I didn’t get my first cell phone until college! And I paid for it myself!
This post hits home for me. After teaching grade 6 for several years, I can’t tell you the amount of conversations and “pow-wows” I had with my girls before and after school/lunch time, etc., regarding this very issue. In Alberta, many middle schools range from grades 5 thru 9. So, it’s common for a 9 almost 10 year old girl going to school with 14 year old boys with facial hair. Although it makes sense academically, it’s really tough socially. It almost forces them to grow up that much quicker, as they want to fit in. In comparison, I have also taught grade 6 when it was in a K-6 school, and the difference is actually unreal (they are “free from social pressure” to still be the little girls they are).
That’s just so sad! I can’t believe some parents are so oblivious to the fact that that kind of talk can lead to lots of issues for their kids in the future. I get wanting your kid to be healthy, but it doesn’t have to be that extreme. I know I grew up as a picky eater and I was always on the smaller side, my parents raised me on fairly healthy foods (I don’t ever remember eating white bread as a kid, it was always whole wheat at our house and eating fruits and veggies was encouraged) but I definitely ate my fair share of candy and other treats when I was younger and my parents never said anything negative about it. My sister still eats like the typical junk-food loving kid and she’s 17 and my parents don’t tell her she’s going to get fat or anything. Not that not talking about it will prevent an eating disorder, as you said, but I think making a child feel guilty for wanting a food is never a good thing.
I started wearing makeup in 7th grade and I got my first cell phone (one of those old school bar style phones) in 8th grade. I thought it was so cool back then! And I’ve definitely come a long ways from just wearing sparkly eyeshadow as a 12 year old to having a whole makeup routine. I know a lot of girls wear little to no makeup, but I always feel better wearing it because I look so young anyways that I’d like to look at least a little closer to my age, plus it’s fun to try out different colors and products!
Hehe your reason for wearing makeup is pretty much the same as mine – if I don’t do anything, I look all of 18 years old, and even though people tell me I’ll appreciate it when I get older, it’s kind of annoying right now 😕
Totally agree with this. It’s horrible that mothers say this kind of thing to their children. My coworker was telling me that her mother in law called her daughter fat. Way to give the child a complex! I was completely horrified!!
Oh my goodness… ):
I’m not even going to begin to say all of the things that I’m thinking right now because my rant would go on for ages. This is a topic that absolutely breaks my heart- mostly because I’ve been there. My parents were always very health-conscious growing up (which I appreciate!) but sometimes my dad would make comments that I’ve never been able to forget. It’s horrible. And the onset of negative body image is happening earlier and earlier…
I wish that parents would understand that children are like sponges. They soak up everything they see and hear and it’s really, really difficult to squeeze it out.
Situations like that make me so sad. I wish parents realized how much that sort of talk can affect their kids! Eric has told me about some of the kids that he works with (8-12 year olds) who tell him that they don’t want to eat even when they’re hungry, and that they’re afraid of getting fat. It breaks my heart. I miss the days when a kid’s biggest concern was which Barbie they should play with first.
I started experimenting with makeup around the house at around 12, and started wearing it by the time I started high school…so 13-14? And I got my first cell phone for my 16th birthday. It freaks me out when I see 8 year olds with iphones these days!
I’m sorry to bring attention to this, but you have the devil’s number right behind you on that birthday picture!!! LOL. Ahem, now that THAT’S outta the way…. lol. I think the only reason I caught that is because one of my favorite movies is The Omen 😉
And I couldn’t agree more with you. I remember subbing in a 4th grade classroom where kids were whipping out their iPhones (I didn’t even have one at this point, about a year ago), and asking me if they could friend me on Facebook! You know, when you have little kids getting on sites like that where you need a profile pic and whatnot, you know they’re trying their best to look “hot” or whatever, and to start focusing on looks THAT early really eats away at the innocence these kids should be maintaining.
I started wearing makeup in middle school, so I was like 14, and I didn’t get a cell phone till high school. But I also had parents who checked in on me ALL THE TIME when I was out with friends, and I had a childhood that was more about reading, doing well in school, going to museums and parks… not about the newest, fanciest gadgets and expensive clothes. Kids are having to raise themselves because parents don’t have the time or don’t know how to be good parents, and that’s also part of the problem — they get in trouble or are headed on a path they don’t even realize will get them in trouble. (I feel like I’m all over the place in this comment!)
:Haha! Well way to make me look like an evil child 😛 And it’s scary to think that there are little kids out there who are better versed in social media than I am… I think what you said about parents buying gadgets for their kids because they’re too busy or don’t know any better holds a lot of truth. It’s kind of like the easy way out 😕
Ugh that story just made me cringe – mostly because I can relate. My parents never made comments like that when I was really young, but they started when I began gaining too much weight (around when I was 13). I know they just had good intentions because they knew I was unhappy with my size, but I definitely did not appreciate those comments and they were more harmful than helpful to me.
I agree that kids are growing up way too fast these days! I spent my childhood climbing trees and playing “make believe”, not on the internet or on a cell phone! I can’t believe it when I see little 6 year olds on the street wearing more fashionable items than me. Like do 6 year olds really need coach purses and Uggs? Seriously? Parents need to just let their kids have a childhood!
I sort of started wearing make up when I was 14/15 – but all I ever wore was mascara. That’s still the only make up I really wear! I think I got a cell phone when I was 17, but I barely even used it. It didn’t text or anything haha.
Oh good Lord. That really breaks my heart. I actually freak out because my Sissy is 9 and she’s in dance so the pressure is pretty intense for her. Mom’s are the worst. There was 1 time where a mom was talking to another mom about how she could see a little girl’s tummy fat jiggle on stage and how unappealing it was. I was just like REALLY?! I DARE YOU TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT MY SISTER! Needless to say, I try to avoid those mom’s….
Growing up I had my fair share of junk. My family never restricted me, except for my mom. She was always giving me Slimfast and Skinny cow, but that’s mostly because its what SHE ate. Now she just buys me “fat free” candy cause she thinks its better for me. UGH….
I had several family members (both immediate and not) make comments about my weight as a kid. I was chubby, and I understand now that part of the comments were of concern for my health but there were several that are so seared into my memory that I KNOW they were about mere appearance. I won’t lie, I know it affected me. I still don’t have confidence when it comes to my appearance, I don’t know if when you’ve grown up under such scrutiny and negativity you can.
I think what bothers me most about kids today is the excessive use of technology. People are tweeting, on facebook, texting ALL THE TIME! People don’t even watch where they are walking. It is just rude. I understand technology won’t go away and it has helped society a lot but I think it may be stunting people’s emotional and social intelligence.
Yes, YES, YES I have noticed this same thing! It shocks me how young kids are that go to school now. I had someone talking to me about getting their kid ready for school and I was like “Isn’t she 3??” and the mom told me, as if I was an idiot, that “She has to go to school or she’ll be behind.” My mind is blown by this factoid. My brother is a certified genius and do you know when he started school? When he was 5, going on 6, like he should have! You know what else he did? He played Nintendo (excuse me, I am that old) and is one of the lucky people who knows the trick to blowing on a cartridge to get the game to work. I really, really wish that people would just let kids be kids, let them play and not have to worry about how serious life is so young.
I honest to goodness can’t remember when I started wearing makeup. I know that I wasn’t allowed to wear anything on my lips other than lip gloss until like..my senior year in college. I had a cell phone at 16,but it was my Dad’s. I only had it when I was going somewhere in my car and then I turned it back in. To be fair, cell phones really had just started coming out when I was a teenager and were about like what Zac Morris had.
Oh Nintendo <3 I still have mine, and I remember the blowing trick very well. Duck Hunt and original Mario will probably remain my favorite games for all time 🙂
I cannot believe that! I see kids with cell phones, ipad, ipods all the time at work. It bothers me because most parents just hand their kids whatever they want to get them out of their hair. I actually had a parent tell me that once. Sad.
I had a prepaid cell phone when I began high school only to call for an after school ride. I obvioulsy hated it then, and thought my parents were awful, but when I look back now I’m glad they forced me to realize that growing up takes time.
Ugh, that’s heartbreaking. I’ve heard moms say stuff like that to their children too, and it’s just SO drastically different than how I was raised. I wasn’t allowed to have a ton of sweets (looking back, I’m pretty sure it was mainly because we were really not well-off and my parents couldn’t afford them), but whenever I was denied a treat, it was because “You’ll spoil your dinner” or “no dessert unless you finish your milk/vegetables/whatever”, etc etc. NEVER because of weight. It’s one thing to make sure you’re setting a healthy example for your kids, but quite another thing entirely to fat-shame them! And OMG don’t even get me started on the kids with iPads, cell phones, wearing makeup and dressing like sluts….I wore makeup for ballet recitals but didn’t start wearing it to school during sophomore year of high school…and even then it was mainly just foundation to cover my teenage zits lol. As for a cell phone? not till I got my driver’s license. And no personal computer until I went away to college! Kids these days are so entitled, it boggles my mind as to how and why things like that have changed….I think one thing that saddens me most is that kids never play outside anymore. They all have their electronics and don’t interact directly with each other, don’t use their imaginations as much when they play. SO sad.
Right?! And for parents it’s like… okay, do you refuse to get your kid a cell phone and computer and make them a social outcast in the process? Or do you get them all those things and basically destroy their desire to get outside and engage with the world? I honestly have no idea what I’d do with my kids. My mom always says that raising kids used to be a lot easier, and I definitely think she’s right on that one…
It really is worrying! Kids also are forgetting how to play without outside stimuli – tv, video games, adult guidance etc… I remember creating many of my own worlds and being so content to spend hours just really “playing” don’t feel old- the world around us has changed so quickly it’s frightening! I don’t have Facebook or twitter or any social-media beyond email- but I’m sure there are 8 year olds who do 🙁 I didn’t wear makeup until…. Oh man I still don’t wear any- except for a Really special occasion or date 😉 and I didn’t get a cell phone until I started working at 14- I’m sure that is older than the “norm” now. I really want to raise children in a more natural environment- I hope I can find a place where that is still possible. Ciao and hugs Sophia
I was also 16 when I started wearing makeup and 15 when I got my first tiny little pay as you go phone. Times are changing! The little girl I nanny for is EIGHT and has a cell phone, and not just a cell phone, an iPhone. Crazyiness
Oh man, this made me sad. It’s shocking what some parents will say to children and they don’t know how it will truly affect them. I’ve had SO many backhanded comments thrown at me when I was a kid, and I remember each and every one of them. And there were a lot, so I know how it really affected me. I also agree kids grow up too darn fast. It’s insane now the rate at which 10 year olds look 16. Kind of scary.
These are always important reminders! Thanks for bring it to attention!
And happy Friday love!
I completely agree with you on this!! It’s disgusting how fast kids are growing up these days. I started wearing makeup when I was 15 I think, but even then it was a lick of mascara and some lip gloss..no more than I wear these days! As for a cell phone..my parents never got me one. I got one when I was 17 only because my boyfriend at the time payed for it haha. Kids in elementary school with cell phones and make up on makes me sick! It also makes me want to go play in a slip n slide bounce house!
I think my Mum was the absolute best in bringing her kids up.. I’m 18 and recall no talk of body/food negativity whatsoever in my younger years. No idea how my disordered food image began :/ . We ate as we pleased what we wanted..Mum’s nutritious home cooked meals with a good amount of junk snacks throughout the day :p . Mum would make sure to buy my fave candy without me even asking. But we were a verrrrry active lot. Had little to no interest in lounging around,watching tv etc. It was all outdoorsy activities. And I was always at a healthy weight; miss those days – where food was..just food! Got my first cell at 16. Makeup around then too…
I think just being active and going out there to live life rather than have it pass you by by sitting in front of a computer or TV screen is the way to go. Everyone knows that treats make the best fuel for a busy day outside 😉
Parents are scared of everything these days. Some more so than others, but it seems like they either a. don’t give a crap what their kids eat/do or b. care too much & project their worldly fears (obesity, kidnapping, etc) onto their kids.
I also find it interesting that parents will refer to candy as “BAD” – “it’ll rot your teeth!” but if kids are “GOOD” and finish their meal/homework/chores they can have that “bad” treat. It must be so confusing for kids nowadays, and I agree, it’s like they’re growing up too fast.
I didn’t get my first cell phone til around 19 or 20? I had a Nokia pager in high school – HAHAHA.
I guess it’s all about the parents. I do know a lot of great kids from relatives and acquaintances who are allowed to enjoy their childhood. One of them is actually one of the most intelligent persons I know and though she can speak 4 languages (she’s 7 years old) she still knows how to play outside with the neighbor kids and loves all her dolls and stuffed animals.
This story just makes me feel sad and a little icky. I see things like this when my niece talks about not wanting to be far, or about how too many calories are bad – she’s seven, and I don’t think she should even know what a calorie is! Not to get me started on things like cell phone use our having a credit card (I work retail and yes I’ve seen it). Way to fast. WAY.
love this post!
Seven? Awwr 🙁 I can’t remember when I learned what a calorie was, but it was way older than seven and I wish I could go back and unlearn it!
Wow, I can’t believe some mothers say things like that to their kids. I started wearing makeup probably at the age of 14 and I got my first cell phone at the age of 18 or 19 when I went to college. But those were the “olden” days and kids didn’t have cell phones back then anyway.
Oh it really scares me. I had a chat with some of my cousins that are wanting to do the slim fast diet. They are 15 years old. WTF. I’m doing a big body image project in a local sometime in September hopefully, I really hope I can help some young women who might have that kind of thing said to them at home 🙁
I still don’t wear makeup now… but I started being able to wear it for special occasions during my 8th grade formal. I also got a cellphone at the end of 8th grade because I was doing a lot of after school sports and my parents wanted to have a way to get ahold of me. But the cell phone wasn’t to be used for anything other than making phone calls to my parents. Later on, I was able to start using a small amount of text messages but it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that we got unlimited text messages because my sister is a text-a-holic!
What a great post. I think it is so sad the way our insecurities can affect children. I remember the day I learned about calories, it ruined my life literally. I think thats the day I stopped being a kid. I live in NYC and see lots of young girls dressing older than thier age. I was at Bloomingdales last week bikini shopping when a mom and two teenage daughters showed up. Man they were spoiled… Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I completely agree with you on this one! I *think* I started wearing makeup (like eye shadow and lip gloss) around age 13 but I didn’t wear it to school or anywhere but a friend’s house on a sleepover night. I cannot believe a mother would say that to her young daughter! I understand the reasons of making your stomach hurt or ruining your appetite for dinner or even that is full of too many chemicals but telling a young, impressionable girl that she is going to get fat by eating??! It hurts my heart. Kids are growing up waaayyy too quickly. I remember still playing with dolls until I was 10 (maybe I was a late bloomer, haha!) but now 10 year-olds are dressing in short skirts and wearing make up while talking on their iPhones. Sadness.
Wow, that is such a sad story; I wonder what that mom was thinking!! Sure, candy may not be the healthiest food, but that doesn’t mean you should tell a 6 year old girl that it will “make her fat.” I completely agree that many girls seem to be growing up way to fast, and to be honest, I highly dislike beauty pageants in general–I just don’t understand why girls should be judged and win prizes based on their physical appearance. I actually never wear makeup except for dance performances; I simply hate wearing it, and avoid it at all costs. I don’t have a problem with other people wearing it, of course, but I prefer not to. And I didn’t get my first cell phone until I was 17, since I never had the need or desire for one before then.
It scares me to think that there are 5 year olds with a better tan and hairstyle than me… 😯