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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU or is painting children's finger & toenails....

123 replies

buxomwenchonapony · 03/06/2011 08:53

... just harmless fun?

or

Is it just the beginning of the lifelong quest for beauty, the first idea that she is 'better' when she is painted or plucked or tanned or in some way adorned.

Only I've just painted dd1's toenails (she's 4). She asked for blue toenails with pink spots and I obliged, that's ok, isn't it? Or will i be taking her for spray tans and eyelash extensions next?

I expect this topic has been done to death previously. I'm new though, humour me?!

OP posts:
MangoTango · 03/06/2011 08:57

Harmless fun. For some reason i think it looks better once it is chipped on small kids though, as it looks like it is not being taken too seriously!

Bonsoir · 03/06/2011 08:58

Stop overthinking this. Humans have enjoyed decorating their bodies in all societies across the world throughout history.

AuntieMonica · 03/06/2011 09:00

I certainly won't be taking DD for spray tans and eyelash extensions, but she does have 'hip hop' orange toe nails atm

it's not about 'beauty' it's about fun to us, so YANBU

Shodan · 03/06/2011 09:00

Harmless fun.

Except when ds2 decided to paint his own nails. With dark red polish. On our white bed linen.

He actually painted his hands and feet, too. Very decorative.

swash · 03/06/2011 09:01

Hate it! And especially don't like the harsh chemicals on young nails. Dds did for first time - 6 and 4 - at a friend's house. I guess I have to let them from time to time but would far rather not.

CoffeeDodger · 03/06/2011 09:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PhishFoodAddiction · 03/06/2011 09:03

I think it's pretty harmless really.

My 4yo loves having a bit of nail varnish on so I let her every once in a while.

I don't like her to wear it when she has nursery though, so it's only in hols or at weekend.

CrapolaDeVille · 03/06/2011 09:05

Harmless.

Original poster
buxomwenchonapony · 03/06/2011 09:06

Phew! Thank you, I'm reassured. Probably am over thinking it, and they do look nice.

Now, AIBU as a 32 year old mother of two, to paint my own nails blue with pink spots?!

OP posts:
HerHissyness · 03/06/2011 09:06

Think it looks as bad as pierced ears tbh.

it's OK for dress up, but not out and about, and should definitely be taken off for school.

Imnotaslimjim · 03/06/2011 09:08

Harmless fun. My DD is 3 and loves having her nails done

I think mum being one to be primped, preened and permanently bronzed is much more psychologically damaging to a young child as that DOES make them think that you are better when you're perfect

SeenButNotHeard · 03/06/2011 09:08

I came home from work last night to find that holiday club has painted dd's nails for the first time - a fetching lime green and orange combo.

Was a little more surprised to see ds (4) with an even more fetching red and blue number - he loves it Grin

catwhiskers10 · 03/06/2011 09:09

I think it's harmless fun.
If it gets to the stage they're getting up an hour early to cake their face in make up before school and demanding spray tans and hair extensions, then you have a problem!

ScrotalPantomime · 03/06/2011 09:12

Harmless fun, but I was very careful to wait until my DD was old enough to ask me to do it (she was about 3.6 and had seen her friends have it done, I hardly ever do mine), rather than suggest it to her IYSWIM?

I also only get bright colours, nothing like dark pink/purple or red as they just look too grown up IMO.

DaisyDaresYOU · 03/06/2011 09:13

Yanbu ive painted dds toes nails she's 2nd a half but that because she wanted me to.She also likes me to put make up on her whilst I do mine.I think it's sweet.I wouldn't let her wear make up out though

CoffeeDodger · 03/06/2011 09:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

brownsauce · 03/06/2011 09:20

My 10 year old has just gone for a 9 am appointment to get a manicure and a pedicure before we go on holiday to france tomorrow, which she has paid for herself, with saved up pocket money.
She does this maybe once every couple of months if she is going somewhere special, i never painted her nails when she was little, maybe this is the start of the slippery slope!

SomethingSuitablyWitty · 03/06/2011 09:20

Definitely do your nails blue with pink spots OP. Sounds fabulous!

AuntieMonica · 03/06/2011 09:21
Zanywany · 03/06/2011 09:25

Nothing wrong with it. We even painted the dogs nails last time the nail varnisg was out!

bupcakesandcunting · 03/06/2011 09:26

My DS loves having his finger/toenails painted and he has a knack for choosing a shade for each that clashes in such a fashionable way that Gok Wan would be jealous.

BsshBossh · 03/06/2011 09:52

Does anyone here wonder or worry about the harsh chemicals on little ones' thin nails? I do but then I don't know if IBU??? My DD is nearly 3.

BlueFergie · 03/06/2011 10:06

Harmless. My DD loves having them done but I only do them for Christmas/ summer holidays as I don't think it would be good for her nails to have them always covered with varnish. DS loves getting toenails done too although DH wasn't too impressed last time I did his!

katvond · 03/06/2011 10:29

I wont allow DD to do it as she's a tendency to bite it off and I'm not sure if it dangerous or not, so no.

hester · 03/06/2011 10:33

I'm a humourless radfem, and I think it's harmless fun. Provided it's done strictly in the spirit of dressing up, rather than beautifying, not worn to school, and as acceptable for boys as girls [gavel]

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