Nursery painting 2-4 yo nails

[Vanillalatte1]

My 4 year old DS returned from nursery with his nails painted and said it was varnish day at nursery and that the teachers were painting the kids nails. Is this normal? The kids are between 2 - 4 years old. They seem a bit young to me.

@MagAmberson well how would I know if I hadn't painted his nails,? Usually provide allergens typically for food.

I really wouldn't be happy with anyone putting chemical laden products on my toddler. I would expect the responsibility to be with the professionals to secure and document permissions.

We did flag no face paint etc and unfortunately had that ignored, because the child was upset. I can tell you the child was a lot more than upset when their face was red raw and I had to get steroids into them.

My thoughts exactly! Yournamegoeshere
Thank you for your input! I can think of so many different things they could be doing at nursery, painting nails doesn't feel age appropriate. They also have a rail of dresses and high heels for the kids to play with. They uploaded a video of a 3 year old boy trotting around In stilletos with spikes on them. Again, not age appropriate at all.

Are we back in the 50s again?

The problem I have with nail varnish on toddlers is that I find it a bit sexualized for their age. I'm not a prude i just know it makes me feel more attractive when I get mine painted so I'm not sure it's something nurseries should be introducing to our toddlers, boy or girl. I'm happy for them to be coveted in paint and having fun exploring the way toddlers naturally do

My 4 y/o DS currently has his nails painted to match mine - that's right, not even kiddy nail polish! Loving pretty sparkly colours on your body isn't exclusive to girls, especially before society has drilled gender roles into them too much.

They should probably have asked permission for any child to have their nails painted, however my sons (aged 4 and under) would have LOVED this! I've bought them a children's set of nail varnishes for Christmas as they are constantly asking if I can do their nails like mine. They'll probably grow out of it, but I'm not worried if they don't. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I actually can't believe anyone would be in the slightest bit bothered by this!

I may suggest using acrylics next time, also some hair extensions?

It wouldn't bother me. Also kids trotting around in high heels is what we all did, surely? It's just kids dressing up.

If they're not allowed to give calpol or put on sun cream without my consent they can't put nail polish on my child. I'm fine with kids (boys and girls) having nail polish but when I do it, with child safe polish.

But where does it say that nail varnish = gay? I think you should be less judgemental

Former nursery teacher too. I did set up a pretend nail salon before. However, I set out pallets of water colour paints and brushes so the children could paint each others nails. It instantly washed off but was still a huge hit. I would not have thought to have painted the children's nails with varnish though.

Of course it's age appropriate. Dressing up likely like his mum does is completely age appropriate. It's just dress up.

As is showing interest in nail polish and wanting some at nursery because mum usually has it or because his keyworker does. It's fun and colourful.

DD’s nursery did this during a Pyjama party, she was so excited, I thought it was fine.

At 3 years old? I had the sparkly princess plastic heels when I was about 5. Not stripper heels at nursery at 3

It's not really pearl clutching to spot flaws in health and safety in this activity and the fact it in no way helps children learn the skills they need to in eyfs. There's a very specific curriculum and if I was the reception teacher taking intake from this nursery I would be annoyed they were pissing about doing non skill activities.

I mean, if they'd asked permission, addressed allergies and it was a fundraiser with a proper make up/facepainter fair enough. But no, I don't think it would be something I'd be willing to do as a professional.

My thoughts exactly. I thought they were prepping him for school with appropriate Learning through playing activities

There’s more to life than learning skills. Fun’s important.

My children go to a small nursery 12-15 kids per day, and all ages are mixed. They can still do different age related activities but it's wonderful and nurturing and different ages learn and benefit from one another.

Ok...wow

Very different though as child led, using fine motor skills, social skills and creativity. Appropriate paint too (though personally I would still check from a liability/allergy pov)

Holding still while adult dolls them up isn't something you can tick off in tapestry is it?

My son's girlfriend paints his nails. Just to attempt to put to rest this nonsense that nails varnish contains 'the gay'... Style is style, there is no law

I think you have a problem with boys being a bit too girly.

Our preschool did a a pamper day for all the kids, boys & girls. Foot spas, cucumber eye masks, painting nails & lots of fresh fruit treats!
All the kids loved it. They do it each year - parents notified in advance though

It’s not ok to use unnecessary toxic chemicals on a child without a parents permission.