Won't let DD do BBB---Am I the only one?

[brookmey]

Thanks for all the responses! It's nice to know that there are other parents who feel the same.

The last few times we've gone, DD would say "I want to do that" when we'd pass by BBB or when she saw girls dressed up, but she didn't push it after those passing comments. But, this past spring break her best friend went to WDW and showed DD pictures of her at BBB and all dressed up. So, naturally, DD has been asking more and more. DD hasn't called me "mean" yet, that's come from my sister and my friends teasing me about not letting her do it.

I wish I have been able to see the girls without makeup or very little. I've gone several times to WDW since BBB opened and what I've seen is heavy makeup and little girls who don't look like little girls. Maybe it's the combination of the hairstyle and makeup, I'm not sure, but they just didn't look like little girls to me.

I wouldn't say that my decision is because of any "adult hang-ups" I have, rather it's a parenting decision based on my beliefs.

 

[princessmom29]

I am pretty darn strict about my 8yo DD being too "grown up". She isn't allowed to get her ears pierced until she is 12, she wears 1 piece bathing suits, most of her skirts/shorts/dresses are to the knee (or close to it, and if its not she usually wears leggings under it), no highlights in hair until jr high, etc. I don't even let her wear clear lip gloss, or colored for that matter. In fact, we don't even do colored chapstick, lol. She is not allowed to put makeup and wear it to school or out and about.

HOWEVER, the only times I do allow makeup is Halloween and dance recitals because I consider it a costume. So yes, I would allow her to do the BBB with makeup. It would be considered a "costume" to me, and its only for 1 day.

I don't think you are being unreasonable though. You can definitely ask for light application, and/or just blush and lip gloss and eyeshadow (no mascara, eyeliner, lip liner/lipstick, etc). That way it would be pretty light and be wiped off in a couple hours anyway, lol. But she would still get to feel "princess-y" for the rest of the day! Or she could always get her face painted instead! They do some really swirly, glittery fairy eyes/wings, etc that look even neater than plain ole makeup. DD got it done last time we went (she was 5) and I didn't have an issue with it. And to be honest, it was half melted off by the afternoon, and smeared by her hands anyway.

edit to add: I do draw the line at younger ages though, I probably wouldn't consider it for a 3-4yo)

they ONLY do blush shadow and gloss. That is all that comes in the kit and all in girly colors. Soft pinks and pastels are all that is avalible forthe children to choose from. I jmust don't see how a little girl could get anything but a dress up look out of what they offer?

Thanks for all the responses! It's nice to know that there are other parents who feel the same.

The last few times we've gone, DD would say "I want to do that" when we'd pass by BBB or when she saw girls dressed up, but she didn't push it after those passing comments. But, this past spring break her best friend went to WDW and showed DD pictures of her at BBB and all dressed up. So, naturally, DD has been asking more and more. DD hasn't called me "mean" yet, that's come from my sister and my friends teasing me about not letting her do it.

I wish I have been able to see the girls without makeup or very little. I've gone several times to WDW since BBB opened and what I've seen is heavy makeup and little girls who don't look like little girls. Maybe it's the combination of the hairstyle and makeup, I'm not sure, but they just didn't look like little girls to me.

I wouldn't say that my decision is because of any "adult hang-ups" I have, rather it's a parenting decision based on my beliefs.

they are YOUR beliefs however, and it is YOU that has a problem with the makeup, not your child. I would definitely call a problem with dress up makeup and adult hangup. It has nothing to do with "parenting choices" and everything to do with how an adult is percieving the actions of a child to be something bad when they are not. YOU said it makes them look too much like and adult. That is YOUR perception, and I don't think it is very realistic. I just don't see how pastel pink lip gloss and pastel purple eyshadow makes a child look like a teenager or a streetwalker?? No teen I know would be caught dead made up like a little girl, and there is nothing availible at the BBB but girly, dressup type colors. DD has done it multiple times and I have not once seen a child leave there in anything other than child-like makeup. I have, however, seen moms sit outside and add more makeup, especially on the tween girls getting the "pop diva" look.

 

[720L]

You can have them not put the makeup on....that's what I did.

 

[bear_mom]

I wish I have been able to see the girls without makeup or very little. I've gone several times to WDW since BBB opened and what I've seen is heavy makeup and little girls who don't look like little girls. Maybe it's the combination of the hairstyle and makeup, I'm not sure, but they just didn't look like little girls to me.

My dds had very little make up on after doing BBB. I guided them to the bun style of hair and asked the FGIT to keep their make up light. No problems with that request.

Emily

 

[fairestoneofall]

you don't have to put the make-up on her. when my DD did it, i requested the light pink eyeshadow so it wasn't as noticeable as the blue. however, i don't think anything about those who wear the other colors. but for her, i wanted the pink. i don't think she looked like a teenager at all. it isn't like they are doing heavy eyeliner, mascara, etc.

i guess i don't see what the big deal is. it's just for fun. but if it's the make-up that bothers you, just have her get her hair done and skip the make-up. they are only little once.

 

[Minniemouse07]

It comes down to your belief system.

For me, make-up is an adult thing and not a toy. Which means my dd won't be using it until she is of age to do so.

If you consider make-up to be a toy to play with...then it is fine for your dd's to do so.

When looking at the cost of getting and up do (not a haircut) and nails done w/o any make-up, "I" can't rationalize outlaying the money. "I" consider it a poor use of our vacation budget and can find a ton of other really great/cool things to do w/ that $55+ instead.

 

[brookmey]

they ONLY do blush shadow and gloss. That is all that comes in the kit and all in girly colors. Soft pinks and pastels are all that is avalible forthe children to choose from. I jmust don't see how a little girl could get anything but a dress up look out of what they offer?

they are YOUR beliefs however, and it is YOU that has a problem with the makeup, not your child. I would definitely call a problem with dress up makeup and adult hangup. It has nothing to do with "parenting choices" and everything to do with how an adult is percieving the actions of a child to be something bad when they are not. YOU said it makes them look too much like and adult. That is YOUR perception, and I don't think it is very realistic. I just don't see how pastel pink lip gloss and pastel purple eyshadow makes a child look like a teenager or a streetwalker?? No teen I know would be caught dead made up like a little girl, and there is nothing availible at the BBB but girly, dressup type colors. DD has done it multiple times and I have not once seen a child leave there in anything other than child-like makeup. I have, however, seen moms sit outside and add more makeup, especially on the tween girls getting the "pop diva" look.

I don't understand why you get so forceful and attacking with your posts. Obviously your beliefs are different than mine and there's no problem with that. But to say that my beliefs are unrealistic is highly judgemental and intolerant. You're reading way too much into what I've said. I never said that the actions of a child wearing makeup are bad, I just said I don't feel it's appropriate for my daughter. I never said I have a problem with dress makeup, only my daughter wearing makeup in public at the age of 7. What do you care if this is how I or other parents feel? What is the purpose of attacking my belief because it's different than yours?

We all parent based on our different beliefs, but if you want to refer to that as "adult hang-ups," then I guess every single parent, including you, who says no to their child when other parents say yes, is imposing their "adult hang-ups" on that child.

Thank you to all the parents who let their daughters go to BBB who were informative, matter of fact and non-judgemental of a person who thinks differently.

 

[mommycrawford]

I was turned off from BBB when I saw the ad on the shuttle bus, "Turn your pumpkin into a princess."
My princess isn't a pumpkin. Do insults really work to pry money from other's pockets? Becasue that one just zipped mine closed forever!

I have never seen this add, but I agree with you that it is insulting and nuts!

...We have done the BBB in past years, and it is no big deal to me...just something fanciful-like the idea of talking mice!

That said, most kids are cuter before they begin the process, and being in there is like being at a poodle grooming place that puts perfume on your pet:
three looks, not like going to a salon that accentuates your personal looks!

BTW...NONE of the kids come out of there looking mature! I actually call one of the looks "the Princess Mullet!"

 

[Minnesota!]

I don't think it was meant as an insult but a play on words. You know how "pumpkin" can be used as a nickname? In fact, I had a friend in elementary school ask our teacher to call her pumpkin "like her daddy" does. I guess I can see where someone could possibly maybe slightly be offended, but I would never have thought it was an insult.

DNiece travels to WDW with us (DS isn't interested in BBB ), and we've never done it. Mostly because I can do a better job in the room, but she's never asked about it. I don't even know if she knows it exists. Also, the hairstyles, more than the makeup, turn me off. They don't look very princessy to me, but I can understand why they stick to a basic style with a couple variations. I really don't care for the hair pieces, either. I do think the little tiaras are cute! If DNiece asked to do it, though, we'd let her.

It's not an insult at all.

Pumpkin is a VERY common nickname for kids. My dad called me it, I call my sons it, etc. I would have never taken the ad to be offensive.


FWIW, I have boys, but if I had girls, I wouldn't do BBB. I have no issues with girls playing with make up, glitter, hair stuff. But for the $$$ they charge for it...eh. I would do it myself. And I think the girls actually look kind of creepy after it...

 

[deuceswild10]

I would be more concerned about the absolutely ridiculous cost of it more than the dressing up aspect.

But, my little girl is only 1. If she really wants to some day, we'll try and find the funds, I'm sure.

 

[mommy2_3]

I am really wanting to take my 3yr old (going to be 4 when we go) to BBB but im afraid she wont sit through it. its already a pain trying to put her hair in a pony tail or pig tails. so im just going wait and see. hopefully she sits still by then.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have no problem with doing BBB. They have more than one look to choose from, and will really tone down the makeup if you ask. My niece just had a bit of pale pink blusher and lip gloss. It wasn't heavy at all. I see no problem letting girls play dress up once in a great while. Any of you that are against it, didn't you used to play with your mom's makeup?

 

[Minniemouse07]

Any of you that are against it, didn't you used to play with your mom's makeup?

Nope...Make up isn't a toy so I didn't play with it.

 

[maxiesmom]

Nope...Make up isn't a toy so I didn't play with it.

Wow. My parents were pretty darn broke when we were growing up, so we played with lots of things that were not really toys. I bent many a spoon digging in the dirt.

 

[Minniemouse07]

Wow. My parents were pretty darn broke when we were growing up, so we played with lots of things that were not really toys. I bent many a spoon digging in the dirt.

I knew someone would take it the wrong way.

Make up is not a toy the same way knives, or scissors, or medicine, or <insert any other item your parents don't want you to touch/play with>, etc.

There were many non "toy" items that I did play with but make up wasn't something we touched.

 

[princessmom29]

I don't understand why you get so forceful and attacking with your posts. Obviously your beliefs are different than mine and there's no problem with that. But to say that my beliefs are unrealistic is highly judgemental and intolerant. You're reading way too much into what I've said. I never said that the actions of a child wearing makeup are bad, I just said I don't feel it's appropriate for my daughter. I never said I have a problem with dress makeup, only my daughter wearing makeup in public at the age of 7. What do you care if this is how I or other parents feel? What is the purpose of attacking my belief because it's different than yours?

We all parent based on our different beliefs, but if you want to refer to that as "adult hang-ups," then I guess every single parent, including you, who says no to their child when other parents say yes, is imposing their "adult hang-ups" on that child.

Thank you to all the parents who let their daughters go to BBB who were informative, matter of fact and non-judgemental of a person who thinks differently.

no, I have a problem with the judgment YOU are passing by saying that the little girls wearing makeup look inapproiate. I do think that is different than saying that you personally don't care for it or don't choose it for your child. You posted looking for people to validate your opinion that the little girls doing BBB or wearing makeup in public look "like teenagers" ect. You are passing judgment about those little girls and thier parents by saying something like that and I don't apperciate it." I don't allow my DD to play with makeup", and "those other little girls look too old and inapproiate" are two very different things. Idon't think I am reading anything into what you are saying. I am only reading what you actually siad which is that little girls in makeup is bad. I think that IS a hang up, and it is not about the child atall, but about the adult saying it. My beef is not with what you choose to allow or not allow for your child, but the judgment you are passing on those who choose differently.

 

[princessmom29]

I knew someone would take it the wrong way.

Make up is not a toy the same way knives, or scissors, or medicine, or <insert any other item your parents don't want you to touch/play with>, etc.

There were many non "toy" items that I did play with but make up wasn't something we touched.

How can you equate makeup with something potentially deadly??? Is is really that taboo???? Teh reason children are not allowed to play with the things you listed is because they have to potential to harm/kill them. Makeup doesn't.

 

[Minniemouse07]

How can you equate makeup with something potentially deadly??? Is is really that taboo???? Teh reason children are not allowed to play with the things you listed is because they have to potential to harm/kill them. Makeup doesn't.

Hence the "insert any other item your parents don't want you to touch/play with" portion.

I wasn't allowed to play w/ my mom's Norman Rockwell collectibles, or the Waterford crystal champagne flutes, the doll dad brought back from Japan for my mom, heirloom Christmas ornaments...I could go on. Knives, medicine, and scissors were just the first things that popped into my head.

Again...I will restate. This is how "I" was brought up (that make-up was for adults and not a toy) and this is how "I" raise my children. No passing judgement.

The rules in our home, for our family, are different than yours, that is fine. I was just sharing why my dd didn't participate in BBB.

 

[daisyyy]

kids grow up way too fast.... that being said... it's only dressup, and it's at the park, where every other 6 year old girl is going to look the same. I don't think the little girls think that they look like teenagers or grown ups with the makeup on, I think they just want to look like a beautiful princess for a day. I never let my little girls do the BBB when they were little... ( I thought it was expensive, first of all, but I kept thinking, maybe next time..)... but guess what... the next time... they decided.. they were too old to dress up like princesses., now... in hind sight, I wish we did it when they were little... just once, so we could have that memory. that's what it's about. We did however take my son to the pirates league, and let them do the pirate transformation on him. that is awesome BTW. I did take my girls to the barber shop and asked them to put up their hair and put in pixie dust last september. they enjoyed that.

 

[Mama Who]

How can you equate makeup with something potentially deadly??? Is is really that taboo????

It was in my family. Face make up was flat out not allowed, period, end of discussion, until you were in high school. It was a firm rule and "playing" was not a reason to break it. The battle for a stick of cover up to hide pimples was EPIC.

Will I be that firm? No. Will I allow someone to slather adult style make up on my little girl? Also no. I prefer her beautiful face as is. I have yet to see a 6 year old who looks better with make up.