The Kids Club: Pretty Babies

A lot of the lady blogs (Jezebel, BellaSugar) have been talking about this article in Philadelphia Magazine called "Trend: Pretty Babies." In a nutshell the piece talks about the beauty biz, self-obsession and the overbearing moms that are driving the two frenzied trends. The article states case studies of 8 year olds getting bikini waxes and microdermabrasion treatments. And it quotes a lady dr. talking about how she's got to ask pubescent girls if they are employing hair removal strategies because, you know, she can't tell if they are developing normally and whatnot. And I know I'm supposed to feel an immense sense of shock and awe at all of this news, but I sort of don't, really. I mean who out there is surprised this is happening? Hello, we live in a time and place where 'forgetting' to wear your knickers in public is a celebrated rite of passage and nip slips essentially guarantee A-list status. And while I'd readily agree that children certainly don't need facial treatments that make them look younger, (and waxing hair that doesn't even exist seems almost as silly as shredding actual currency), I really am kept wondering what is so evil about Sweet 16 Spa Parties? I had a how-to-makeup party at my house when I was in the 7th grade, and I'm pretty sure I turned out ok. Ditto for some of the facials. There are a few mothers quoted in the article who claimed they were teaching their children good skincare habits. And one mentioned alleviating acne. In my day, going to the derm and getting a script for Accutane was as common as signing up for soccer. Is that so much different? One thesis the article highlights is "without the ugly years how do you learn to accept yourself?" When I read that line it seemed to explain it all, but then I thought: Do we really ever learn to accept ourselves? - Jenna Mahoney