We’ve all seen the school doors open at the end of the day, spewing out hoards of back-pack drooping children racing for the bus. Some of them appear to have dressed themselves (an exercise I totally support). Some have been dressed by their younger siblings, colour-blind neighbours, family pets or have been dollied up by a parent who wants their child’s outfit to get the most from his/her education.
But then there are a select few youngsters who emerge at the end of the day wearing something found left dangling from a stripper pole. Somewhere behind all of the make-up is a pair of eyes, red lipstick smeared from several post nut-free snack break re-applications and shoes that even a ballerina couldn’t hoist themselves into.
Why does my kid want to look like her?
Why doesn’t she instead want to look like those kids whose mothers have fashioned something together that’s both almost on trend and provides full sun exposure coverage? What’s wrong with being the sharp-dressed girl in the practical yet wickedly cool strides and sweater vest? Too far?
My seven year old came home from school yesterday wearing the dress she left the house in, the wide brimmed hat with the ribbon, the shoes that are two sizes too small but she insists are comfortable and “not smelly.” She was wearing a ton of eye make-up. Hmmm. I don’t recall spending any time before she left the house in front of the dressing table, dimly lit bulbs surrounding a gilded mirror with a case of war paint and stack of brushes. Oh wait–that’s because we don’t own any of those things. She smeared a bunch of waxy, brightly coloured “children’s make-up” (can’t believe we are marketing make-up to Grade 2’s) just as all the other girls in her class had harmlessly done.
Having never been a “girlie” girl even I can understand and appreciate the allure when someone arrives at school with something new, exciting and that the celebrities we hold in the highest esteem have caked all over their faces. It’s how to have a thoughtful discussion about why my kid, (and the other twelve involved) don’t need make-up because they are all so beautiful without it.
There are kids in grade one wearing “bras.” I say “bras” because like me, what they’re wearing isn’t so much a support garment rather something to show straps and look female from various angles, but grade one?
There are short skirts, high shoes although there is a firm rule at school according to my five year old, “no noodle dresses.” I’m thinking she means spaghetti straps and I am totally behind this decision.
Well played school. In fact, I commend the higher ups for setting some guidelines and enforcing them although how they’re able is anyone’s guess.
It’s not the child’s fault. Someone at home is purchasing these clothing items (or bringing them home from a late shift) and it isn’t a six year old.
Reading this back, I realize how old I sound. I guess I saw this as a problem for early high school, not kindergarten. Maybe it’s because I still see my daughter as one who might be more inclined to eat the make-up as opposed to smearing it all over her face.
I just don’t want them growing up faster than I can keep up.
And the smelly shoe thing….it runs in the family.
