Thread: Kinda fluffy and kind of personal

Pedicures/manicures for children... yay or nay?

I got my second pedicure ever, the other day. Jace got one too I asked if he wanted nail polish, but he didn't. He really enjoyed the massage (the kid has loved massages since he was a newborn, lol)

When I mentioned it to some people, they looked at me like I had 20439588 heads. I didn't see a big deal with a little boy getting his toenails clipped, filed, feet soaked, and a massage.

Whaddya think? If your child wanted one too, would you let them?

Yes, I think they're great for kids! I plan to make it a point of doing pedicures/manicures for my kids. It's more than just pretty polish. It's good maintenance. I'm a professional esthetician though, so I can do them at home. I might not bother so much, if I weren't, but I'm kind of big on foot health. I had my toenail surgically removed at 12 years old cause of improper foot care and since then I've been a stickler. Ouchies!!

At this age I wouldn't be taking my kids into a salon or anything. I pay pretty good attention to their feet at home - clipping, lotion, etc. When DD gets older and wants to have a girly day with mom we'll maybe go and have a pedi together. DS, about a year ago, got toenail fungus on one toe and he saw a podiatrist for that (no other doctor seemed at all bothered by it or offered any kind of treatment). His nail needs a gentle filing and special cream before bed, and because of this routine I'm pretty attentive to the rest of his feet, as well as DD's.

Is the question about kids or boys?

Kids...depends on the age. I have been to a salon where they accidentally cut my cuticle then put a styptic powder to stop the bleeding and it hurt like a m-f. Plus I can't see paying money for something I can do myself. So I'd let my DD go if she wanted for a special occasion, but on a regular basis? No. I do her nails.

As for boys, no I would not take them unless they specifically asked and I could tell it was something the really wanted. I think by the age they are able to talk enough and comprehend what a salon is, a parent would know if it was something the really wanted done. Just as wrong as it would be to push an agenda of strict gender roles, it would be just as wrong to push an agenda of extreme role reversal.

Originally Posted by culturedmom

Is the question about kids or boys?

Kids...depends on the age. I have been to a salon where they accidentally cut my cuticle then put a styptic powder to stop the bleeding and it hurt like a m-f. Plus I can't see paying money for something I can do myself. So I'd let my DD go if she wanted for a special occasion, but on a regular basis? No. I do her nails.

As for boys, no I would not take them unless they specifically asked and I could tell it was something the really wanted. I think by the age they are able to talk enough and comprehend what a salon is, a parent would know if it was something the really wanted done. Just as wrong as it would be to push an agenda of strict gender roles, it would be just as wrong to push an agenda of extreme role reversal.

I agree with you mostly. But one question I have is, is why do you need to wait until a boy asks to go with you? Kids go to places all the time without having to ask their parents. He specifically didn't ask to go, I picked him up from school and we went together as a last minute decision. Otherwise, he would never know what a pedicure is so I don't think he would ever ask. He is a patient child when it comes to going to places and he was sitting next to me and he seemed interested. I asked him if he wanted one and he said yes.

So unless a boy even knows what a pedicure is or has been to a nail salon with mom or dad, I guess I don't feel like they would think of asking at all unless exposed. I hope I made sense

As for role reversal, a lot of men enjoy getting massages, pedicures, manicures, waxing, etc. Maybe not at common as women, but it's one of those things I feel like isn't particularly dedicated to one gender anymore.

Originally Posted by culturedmom

Is the question about kids or boys?

Kids...depends on the age. I have been to a salon where they accidentally cut my cuticle then put a styptic powder to stop the bleeding and it hurt like a m-f. Plus I can't see paying money for something I can do myself. So I'd let my DD go if she wanted for a special occasion, but on a regular basis? No. I do her nails.

As for boys, no I would not take them unless they specifically asked and I could tell it was something the really wanted. I think by the age they are able to talk enough and comprehend what a salon is, a parent would know if it was something the really wanted done. Just as wrong as it would be to push an agenda of strict gender roles, it would be just as wrong to push an agenda of extreme role reversal.

Are you saying foot care on a boy/man extreme gender role reversal? I could see polish as something that is considered more female, but just a plain pedi?

I've only had my own done once, and it was a gals thing for my birthday. So no I wouldn't take a child to get nails hands or feet done, But it most a $ issue than anything. I have NEVER had my fingernails professionally done.

I'd definitely take my girls for a pedicure but probably not a manicure at this age (they are 4 & 6). I don't mind them wearing toenail polish but I'm not so big on fingernail polish for little girls. Just a personal dislike I guess. I don't have a son, but if I did I couldn't imagine taking him to the salon for a mani/pedi.

Jace looks so cute and happy!

I can't wait to take my daughter for a pedicure, she's too little right now but maybe in another year or so. Even now, I don't prefer nail polish on her. It gets chipped so easily and requires to much care. We lotion everynight and I give her a little foot massage. I would even take my son (if I had one), I don't see it any different...it's good foot care!