DD went to something like this at a friends house. She was about 9. She was told they'd all get their hair plaited (great, because I'm fucking awful at that!), get their nails painted. She came back and told me how bored she was. Sitting about waiting for everyone else to get done. She didn't get her hair done because there wasn't enough time to do everyone. She was not impressed. And she's a very girly girl, despite me dressing her in dungarees from birth - because they were practical and warmer than dresses/skirts, before anyone jumps in.
Myself, I've never gone in for make-up (rarely wear it, most of what I have actually needs binning now because I don't use it, have no idea how to apply it properly), don't do much with my hair, and wear practical, seasonal clothing for warmth and comfort more than anything else. Heels are hell and rarely see the light of day. Does any of this make me any less of a woman? I don't think so. I also find the idea of a pamper party incredibly dull - I'd much rather watch a good film, read a book, have something lovely to eat.
DD is 12 next week. She has no time for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Katy Perry, etc. She thinks their idiots, bad role models for young girls, all about showing off their bodies. She idolises Kate Bush and David Bowie (and Niall from 1D!) and knows that her brains are more important than her looks.
She's stunningly beautiful (to me, anyway) exactly as she is. She doesn't need makeup to be pretty. And that's my concern with these pamper parties, the whole 'don't you look pretty now!' message given off. Erm, yeah, but they were pretty without eyeshadow, glitter, lipgloss, thanks. Little girls have natural beauty - it doesn't need enhancing.
Who is telling boys that they need to enhance their appearance? Where are the parties for six year old boys where they make themselves look better?
Sorry for the essay.