Should I let my 11 and 12 year old step daughters wear make up and shave their legs?

Question

The girls live with me, and of course they want to do both of these things. But I'm not sure if they are old enough. They are in 6th and 7th grade.

Answer 1

That's plenty old enough to shave legs. But I would restrict the makeup...don't want them to look bad. How about lip gloss, and you could have a female bonding experience by showing them how to apply other makeup products tastefully. My mom never did that and I always regret never having that beautiful experience. Make sure you show them how to shave so they don't cut themselves up. Like esp[ecially around the backs of knees and ankles. I did a number on myself. I wish my mom had been there...

Answer 2

I was in 5Th grade when I started to shave my legs as far as the makeup well I would say yes if it was just the 7th grader but since you have a 6th grader also you don't want her to say it is not fair. I would say I don't see a problem with it as long as it is light and little nothing heavy. I know however when I was in 7th grade I was wearing dark makeup so actually I would let them cause no matter what you say they will do it anyways whether it is putting it on at school and taking it off before they get home. Wouldn't you rather them come to you then do it behind your back.

Answer 3

Well, I started shaving at 12 1/2, 13 so I'd say shaving's ok. As for make up, that's a no no. They're probably beautiful enough as it is, and don't need it. Just let them wear lip gloss and stuff. Don't let them, get sucked up into the mind of this world and it's defintion of 'beauty'

Answer 4

Well the 12 year old can shave her legs and wear make up that doesn't look like she is wearing make up. But I don't think so about the other one.

Answer 5

If they really need to shave their legs, let them. You don't want them going around their school with hairy legs. It's kinda nasty. As for the makeup, you should let them wear just a little make up. Just some lip gloss and maybe a little eye shadow.

Answer 6

I think if the girls actually do need to shave, then it would be alright to allow them to do that. Make sure you show them the safe way to do it and supervise it in the beginning.

As for make-up...girls are wearing it too early and too much of it. I don't think I would allow it. If there is a special occasion coming up, then maybe some lip gloss and neutral eye shadow, with a slight brusing of blush. For every day wear, lip gloss would be the max until they are older.

when the time does come, have a "party" of it and show them the proper way of wearing it. Maybe take them someplace to where they can show how to do it right and with the right colors for their skin.

I have a niece that her mom allows her to wear full make-up, pluck eyebrows, and shave. She is only 13 and looks like she's 21...looks way too old for her age and that is trouble!

Kids need to be kids for awhile, as much as they fight it. We are the parents and it's up to us to say no!

Good luck!

Answer 7

I'm 15 & i've been shaving my legs since I was 10 (so I guess I think its ok), but I don't know about the make up part maybe a lilttle older like say around 13.

Answer 8

they are both well old enough to shave, and i started wearing makeup in the 6th grade(of course thats junior high here)

Answer 9

No, they are still too young. They are going to attract attention themselves. You do not want boys or grown men running after them. Let them be girls no need for make up or shaving of the legs.

Answer 10

i am in 6th grade. i shave my legs. some of my friends dont because they have very blonde hair and you cant see it. if it is noticable then yes let them shave their legs. makeup lets see. a little mascara is what i wear. if they have red spots or pimples or un-even spots then let them wear conceler or foundation or cover-up. lip-gloss fine. make-sure they start wearing moisturizer. hope i could help. just make sure its all natural just not bright eyeshadow and red blush. tan or cream and a pale pink is fine.