Cosmetic Enhancements

I have to ask...how do you explain to your children why some people have their bodies cosmetically enhanced?

Now I know some (well, two) of the obvious answers: illness and accidents. Illness was how I explained Ashley Tisdale's new nose in Popstar Magazine photos as compared to her nose in High School Musical I and II to by 10-year old daughter. And Ashley herself helped emphasize that reasoning - nasal/sinus issues caused her to have the nose job - not vanity. By the way, both my daughter and I preferred Ashley's original nose better.

I am more interested in how to explain enhancements when it is someone you know, who is not famous, ill or in an accident - but has been cosmetically enhanced. Case in point, I took my two kids, ages 10 and 6 into their school last week to check on uniform requirements. As we were leaving the school, we saw another mom walking into the school. This mom has a daughter in my daughter's grade. It was quite noticeable to me, and pretty much anyone else who knew her last year, she has had some "work" done over the summer. Now, my daughter and son did not notice at the time, but I did. Which prompted my thoughts.

I am trying to instill in my children they need to love themselves and their bodies. It is not always easy with a 10-year old daughter. This summer, it has become quite obvious to her that most of her friends are developing and, so far, she is not. I have explained to her that all girls develop at different times, and in different proportions, and her time will come. But I wonder how I will explain this once she notices? (And it will be noticed as this mom volunteers regularly at school).

I know the obvious is to tell her that this mom was not happy with her body the way it was and had it changed. And that is probably the truth. I just wonder how many of the girls in my daughter's grade, including my daughter, will still feel comfortable with their slower development, in light of a parent who so obviously was not?

My heart goes out to this other daughter as well. Imagine the questions and comments she will have to field at the young age of 10? And I am sure it will be from both boys and girls.

In the meantime, I will continue to assure my daughter her development will occur - but on God's schedule for her. And remind her to continue being a little girl while she can, growing up happens all too quickly.

On a side note: I have resisted my urge to call my best friend, who also has a daughter in my daughter's grade, to fill her in on this latest scoop. One way I am trying to grow as a person and parent.

FACT OF THE DAY!

As I watched Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, I learned Bull Sharks are implicated in more shark attacks than any other species of shark. This is probably due to the fact that Bull Sharks are able to survive in both salt water and fresh water.

Til next time, I'll still be

Being Brenda