Why I Don't Let My Toddler Paint Her Nails

I love baby feet and I especially love how cute little girls look with pink polish on their toes. It really is the cutest thing. I have been so tempted to bring Amelia with me to get mani/pedi's, where we can bond and spend some nice mommy and me time. I have even considered painting her nails myself just because I think its cute.

However, I cannot bring myself to do it. I always said that I would not allow my little girls to get their nails done at such a young age. Ariel and I have agreed to wait until our girls were older. We have not established an actual age however, toddler age is not the appropriate time for us. 

Let's be clear, I am not at all judging those mommies that do. I really do think it looks adorable. However, I want my girls to worry about being children and not so much on their appearance. 

During the summer months, Amelia comes home from camp looking a hot mess. Her hair is no longer done, her clothes and sneakers are filthy and yet she has a huge smile on her face. She does not care how disgusting she looks, all she knows is that she loves playing outside with her friends and she has so much fun doing that. I do not want to interrupt that. Now is the time for her to be able to do it without worry or care. Don't we all wish we can be children again?

There is no need for her to grow up before her time. I am a firm believer that in life, all things come at its appropriate time. I do not see the purpose in rushing life. Amelia is only 4 years old and I don't want my daughter looking older than her age. I want to create fun childhood memories for my girls and I want them to be receptive to just being a kid.

A part of me is also worried that she will acquire this "been there, done that" teenage attitude and find other, riskier ways to entertain herself. I want her to have something to look forward and not get bored with being a kid. Being a kid is fun, and I want her to enjoy every moment of it as I did and not be so strung out on her appearance. 

I remember when I was growing up; age 15 was the magic number. I could not do my nails, my eyebrows, dye my hair, wear high heels or even shave my legs! In Hispanic cultures, your quinceanera (age 15) is a huge deal. Upon obtaining age 15, tradition tells us that you are considered a young lady. It is somewhat of a ritual that celebrates a young girl transitioning from childhood to maturity. It is celebrated very similar to that of a Sweet Sixteen. I did not have a huge quinceanera but age 15 was the magical age for me to be able to endure in a little pampering. I am not at all saying that age 15 will be the right time for us however, Ariel and I know that right now is not it.

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