Makeup topics to talk about with your children
Sooner rather than later, natural curiosity will kick in, your kids will start stealing your makeup, and you'll need to do something about it. Grown-up makeup is not for children. So, you will need to find a way and some valid makeup topics to talk about with your children. Teach them about the responsibility of wearing makeup in the future and beauty routines.
They will see you wear it, come across it at friends' houses, or become aware of how often it's used on television and social media. Adverts for this multi-billion-pound industry are everywhere. It is increasingly difficult to differentiate between those and truly safe children's play makeup sets that are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, alcohol-free and perfume-free.
So, how do you tackle a child's interest in makeup and manage their understanding of its uses? Also, at what age is it appropriate to let children wear makeup? We answer all of that and more.
Make-Believe Play and Makeup Topics to Talk About
Before listing topics to discuss with children, let's look more closely at why makeup pretend play can be part of a child's development.
Pretending is learning. Giving children toys, games and experiences that help them mimic what they see in the adult world helps them grasp new skills and knowledge. They can be dressing their 'babies', creating traffic jams with cars, pretending to hoover, or using medical kits to 'make everyone better. All of these situations can serve as learning opportunities for the young mind.
The same can be said for children playing with makeup. Applying it, taking care of it and understanding its uses is part of their natural learning curve.
Let your children play freely, express their preferences and imagination. Let them choose their favourite shades for their peel-off nail polishes. Watch them as they talk with their friends about different styles and what they like.
In recent years, there's been a big push on gender-neutral play and letting children's imaginations and curiosity run free, as long as they stay safe. For instance, why shouldn't both genders wear tutus or tool belts or have creative fun changing their appearance with makeup?
Helping children to experiment with makeup safely and appropriately
Space to learn and develop is important, but so is being ready with makeup topics to talk about with children. Use empowerment and positive affirmations when talking with your little kids about wearing makeup.
1. You have natural beauty, but it's OK to enhance that
This is probably the most important of all makeup topics to talk about. It's vital to let your child know they are special. Tell them they are perfect the way they are, and no one has the right to tell them otherwise. Help them build self-confidence and trust in themselves
However, it's fun to experiment with makeup for children. Explain why it's essential they start with non-toxic, perfume-free makeup for kids and not go straight for grown-up makeup. Talk about different skin types, styles, colours, and encourage them to show you what they like and why.
Help them manage their expectations by explaining the reaction they might get from other children or adults who will see them wearing makeup.
2. Makeup can be just for fun
Makeup is often encouraged at certain times of the year, especially at Halloween and or on different school plays. Perhaps another of the topics to discuss with children is that it's OK to use non-toxic children's play makeup on other days, too, to experiment with creative and colourful effects.
Trying out different looks is all part of the glorious childhood pastime of 'dressing up'.
3. Pamper sessions to lift their mood
Teaching children to self-regulate their emotions is another essential part of being a parent, including simple activities and treats that can turn a frown upside down. This doesn't have to mean reaching for ice cream or sweets. Putting on makeup can lift a child's spirits and even yours as a parent. So, children doing makeup can be a pick-me-up.
4. Skincare and school
When children wear makeup, it's vital to discuss guidelines. For example, makeup topics to talk about should include why school rules should be respected.
It's an excellent opportunity to remind your child about good skincare, too, as well as cleaning the brushes, not sharing lip products and other hygienically essential insights.
5. Fitting in as they grow older
Children will instinctively want to 'fit in' with their peers, especially pre-teens and teens. However, you should also talk with them about the importance of celebrating their individual personality and natural good looks.
At what age should children wear makeup?
This is a personal choice for parents. For example, you may feel comfortable with a child experimenting at home but prefer them to wear makeup outdoors only when they reach senior school.
One of the advantages of providing an early, safe, non-toxic children makeup set for your children is that you take all the mystique away. It is not a forbidden fruit. So, your child's approach to makeup will be a natural one.
In the end, you don't want your children to wear your expensive brands, which are not necessarily as safe for them to experiment with as non-toxic makeup for children.
So, let them ease in the world of makeup little by little. Talk to them constantly about what they're using, and set boundaries. Help them grow into secure and confident adults.
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