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Every parent with young daughters will eventually have to deal with the question of make-up. Whether the idea comes from societal images or their peers, eventually girls become infatuated with the idea of putting on makeup in the morning.

I think that a mother teaching her daughter is a wonderful way to bond and spend time together. The mother can explain why she wears makeup, what the different products are, and teach her daughter to apply them in a way that looks natural and not trashy. This time can be used to open a dialogue about why the daughter wants to wear makeup. Wearing makeup can represent being an adult or having freedom that they do not have yet.

Too many young girls dress and act too old for their age, and I have to wonder what the parents are thinking. When I see five year olds wearing clothing styles that are trendy with teenagers, I don't understand why these things were purchased to begin with. Children should be encouraged to remain children as long as possible.

That said, eventually they will notice others wearing makeup and want to start experimenting with it themselves. Perhaps they were allowed to play with certain products when they played dress-up and want to know if they can wear them to school or out with friends. Either way, a decision will have to be made as to how young is too young to be made up.

Finding the appropriate age to allow makeup is a difficult balance. Each girl is different, causing more problems if you have several children. While there is certainly no reason for children under the age of ten to wear makeup, once they hit the preteen years things get more complicated. They may begin feeling pressure from peers with more lenient parents or idolizing teen celebrities who are constantly made up.

Why not start allowing makeup and other products one step at a time? If your daughter is begging, perhaps compromise and allow her to begin wearing nail polish. You can spend some time with your daughter by teaching her how to apply nail polish and choosing special colors. This small, creative step may be enough to satisfy their curiosity.

Many young girls love the colored, flavored lip balms that are on the market. These fun creations may give children the feeling of having makeup without the heavy look of it. As they grow older, products can be introduced gradually. A tube of mascara or a fairly natural colored lipstick may be an appropriate step as girls move towards their teenage years.

Depending on the family and child, it might make sense to allow the daughter to wear makeup to special functions. Family parties, weddings, and other events might come with the treat of being able to wear makeup.

At the end of the day, the decision must be made that is suitable for the particular child and parent. There is no one-size-fits-all rule with regards to makeup. The age when a girl can begin wearing makeup outside the house is going to vary. Many families choose ages such as thirteen, when the girl enters her teenage years. The transition to using makeup is part of the rite of passage into adulthood.

There is no need to allow your child to leave for school with a full face of makeup when she is very young. Talk to your daughter and find out why wearing makeup is so important to her. When you make your decision about when she can wear makeup, try to explain your reasons. Society may present images of young children with heavy makeup, but there is no reason to allow our daughters to emulate the behavior if they are too young.

Learn more about this author, K.A. Smith.
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