Resolved Question

Dear Intruderlvr,

Go Navy! Having never had daughters, only sons, I cannot answer based on great wisdom based on experience. With my sons, both grown with families of their own now, my rule was basically, if it can be washed off, taken off, or easily changed, I tried not to make a big deal about it. I reserved the major battles for tattoos and body-piercing, which I did not allow while they lived in my home. I discouraged, with explanation, but did not mandate hair cuts, clothing, etc.

I would allow only occasional "playtime" or special event makeup for a girl under 11 or 12, depending upon her maturity. I believe that it would be difficult and foolish to take a hard stand against makeup for a girl much older than about 11 or 12, as long as it is moderate, subtle and not every day. If your wife or another mature woman is part of the household and has a light hand with her own makeup, she should take the opportunity to bond with your daughter by showing her how to apply makeup, how not to use it, and to calibrate her use to be reasonable. I would discourage every day use of makeup as it is not particularly good for the pores of the skins and may encourage development of acne. At the same time, a lot of makeup these days contains sun-blocking agents that protect the skin from UV light that damages skin.

Many schools do not allow young girls to wear makeup, so you need to check with her school on the rules and enforce them.

Bottom line -- its not an issue I would draw any lines in the sand over. Bigger and more difficult issues are getting ready to arise if she is thinking about makeup. Save your ammunition until the Huns are coming over the walls, and always keep one round to put yourself out of your misery.