Tweens and Make-up: a Rising Trend?

The New York Times today ran an article about tweens wearing more make-up "Graduating From LipSmackers?"  It profiled a few mothers discussing their views on make-up and how they've changed over the years - in the past, middle school was considered far too young for eye make-up and lip gloss was only emerging. Fast forward to today, and there are major cosmetic companies targeting tween girls. Neutrogena and Dylan's Candy Bar were cited as examples (Neutrogena recently launched its Teen line of acne clearing make-up), but if you walk into any of Beauty 360 CVS concept stores (an off-shoot of the drugstore giant focused exclusively on upscale make-up and skincare lines) or Sephora, you'll see younger-oriented packaging and labeling of many lines.

While hardly as insidious as Joe Camel, it does make one wonder if girls are in fact being explicitly groomed at younger ages by cosmetic companies in order to gain lifetime loyal customers. Girls have been raiding their mother's vanity drawers for ages, and it's nothing new for girls to aspire to look pretty, but is it inappropriate for companies to tailor make-up lines to girls? Is it adding fuel to the image fire, or is it a good thing for girls to have alternatives to the overly made-up images of adult cosmetic labels? Could a company create a line of make-up for tweens that focused on fun, inner beauty and teaching that didn't run a afoul of the very legitimate charge of making girls grow up too fast? Alyssa Pometta, the 11-year old tween profiled in the the NYTimes article seems to say yes: when "asked if there was a particular celebrity or fashion icon she tried to emulate when putting on makeup, [she] said: 'I don’t take a picture of a celebrity and try to make myself look like them. I try to make myself look like me.'"

And that's a great thing.

So, readers, where do you come out on this topic of make-up and tweens? At what age is it okay to migrate from Lip Smackers to want lip gloss and beyond? Is eye make-up ever okay before the age of 16? What about spa days - do those encourage a premature use of product, or are they good hygiene?

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New Study Finds Strong Link Between R-Rated Movies, Underage Drinking and Tweens

I guess this is a bit self-serving, but here's further reinforcement for me for my "strict mom schtick": a new study from Dartmouth finds that middle schoolers whose parents forbid them from watching R-rated movies are far less likely to start drinking early - and the study took in account other parenting decisions. According to the study, "the movie effect is the over-and-above-effect" over parenting style when it comes to middle-schoolers who tried drinking versus the "barely 3% who tried a drink". Notably, it appears to be the repeated exposure to R-rated movies that causes these outcomes, not the once-time viewing.

Phew! It's nice to have some positive backing for our unpopular (at times, but not always - secretly, we think our tweens like having us as an "out") parenting stance (or, as my tweens put it, "zero-tolerance on R"). And it's tough - a lot of the movies that our tween daughters' friends regularly discuss during lunch or afterschool are R-rated (Kick-Ass stars tween superheros, The Runaways features Twilight star Kristen Stewart and child actress Dakota Fanning, and the new Twilight movie Eclipse could very well be R-rated too - and this is just a sampling based on what's out this week).

What amazes me is that even in the same all-girls school that our tweens attend, parenting views on what is permissable for tweens to watch vary SO WIDELY. Certainly, every family has its own values, but when I see an R-rating, that means that the movie theatre requires the parent to accompany the minor into the theatre - so it means that parents are walking their middle school age daughter into see The Runaways because she's a Kristen Stewart fan. Are tweens really ready to digest/process the very mature themes of addiction and sexual exploration even if this film provides an accurate and riveting portrayal of the glam rock movement in the 70's? In other words, aside from how valuable/worthy a story the film tells, some content is still inappropriate even for middle-schoolers.

Lest I come across as a prudish tyrant, despite our stated "zero tolerance" policy, I'd like to think that should a certain film REALLY be worth viewing before later their teen years (and I'm going to pull a Justice Stewart: "I'll-know-it-when-I-see-it here), we'd at least consider it allowing it (full disclosure: in our case, we permit the girls to see Bend It Like Beckham when we wield the Mute button and in some VERY heavily edited instances, Glee).

With sleepovers and group outings to the mall rampant during the middle school years, I'm not so naive as to believe that I have total control over what my girls view/hear/witness. Far from it. But, as their independence grows, I'd like to think that I'm recording that little voice in their heads letting them know that somethings may not yet be appropriate for them - and that that little voice gives them pause to consider their choices with a bit more analysis than pure peer pressure.

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London Department Store Hammered For Hyping Bra to Young Girls

The over-sexualization of young girls and tweens sadly continues: London department store Primark has been selling padded bikini bra tops for girls as young as 5 years old (original story here). Under intense pressure from advocacy groups, the store pulled this item off the shelves, issued an apology, and stated that all profits from its sale would be donated to a children's charity.


We applaud Primark for its swift response to this issue but are saddened that it made it past buyers, merchandisers and store management alike in the first place. Aren't young girls under enough pressure already? Does it really have to start at age 5?!?

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Get Tweens Involved With World Water Week in D.C.

In coordination with Earth Day (April 22)  and the release of the new Disney Oceans movie, families and tweens in D.C. can learn more about Earth's most precious natural resource, water, at a free screening and bottle-swap on Monday, April 19th at Busboys and Poets. The cafe will be showing the new documentary Tapped about downside of drinking bottled water, and everyone who brings a bottle of water can swap it for a free Klean Kanteen water bottle. What a great way to learn about this crucial issue, support the environment, and help your tween to get involved!

Bottle-swap is at 5pm; screening is at 6 pm at Busboys and Poets at 2021 14th Street NW (between U and V Streets, NW).

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Happy Birthday Beverly Cleary!

You can celebrate this iconic author's birthday at the special Ramona event at Hooray For Books, an independent bookstore located in Old Towne Alexandria. Tweens can make Beverly Cleary themed crafts and test their Ramona facts. Prizes include free Ramona and Beezus backpacks (and we can't wait for the Ramona and Beezus movie starring Selena Gomez in July).

April 14th from 4-5pm at Hooray For Books, 1555 King Street, Alexandria, V

What: Bookworms (ages 7 and up) can make crafts and test their knowledge of beloved author Beverly (“Ramona”) Cleary’s tales in celebration of her birthday.
Why: Twenty lucky kids will score free Ramona and Beezus backpacks during the event.
When: Wed., 4-5 p.m.

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National Licorice Day!

Yum! It's National Licorice Day! We love licorice scottie dogs, Good-and-Plentys, colorful fruit licorice from I.M. Good, and Red Vines.

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Our Interview With Tween Parenting Guru Rosalind Wiseman

Rosalind Wiseman, tween parenting guru and author of "Queen Bees and Wannabes", "King Pin Dads and Queen Bee Moms", and "Boys, Girls and Hazardous Materials", is leading a parent-tween workshop Tuesday night in downtown DC. The workshop is part of a national Girl World Tour and promises to be an engaging and educational event. Tweens and their parents are invited to attend together. Ms. Wiseman has been in the news a great deal of late (the New York Times and CNN to name a few) commenting on recent cyber-bullying issues, teen suicides, and several other topics of concern to tween and teen parents.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Ms. Wiseman and chat about some of the hot button issues in tween parenting today:

MsTwixt: "What prompted the Girl World Tour? It's clearly more than just a book launch - was there anything in particular in your work that triggered running these workshops now?"

Rosalind Wiseman: "I have to admit that the Girl World Tour wasn't my idea. [Our team] who works with me, thought that it would be great to create a book tour around getting parents and daughters together in a positive way. [The] girls would get a copy of "Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials", the adults would get a copy of the revised Queen Bees, and we would all get together and learn from each other about what's going on in girls' lives, what they think about common challenges they have with their parents, and give the adults the opportunity to talk to their kids in a different way--while I facilitate all of it!
I have to say that it has been an amazing experience. Watching the girls talk to the adults, really talk about what's going on with them is incredible. I really feel that although I am providing a lot of information and strategies for the girls and the adults, the event is is so special because the participants make it so."

MT: "We've been reading a lot about cyber-bully (via SMS and Facebook mostly) - will your workshop cover that topic? What can parents and girls expect to learn about cyber-bullying at Tuesday's workshop?"

RW: "Yes, we will be talking about social networking and cyber-bullying in the workshop but it's woven into the presentation as a part-for both better and worse-- of the girls' lives. I really don't believe in teaching "cyber-bullying" the way it is often taught--as if it is apart and distinct from other aspects of girls' lives. So when we will talk about conflicts girls get into with their peers, social networking plays a part in that and I'll teach girls and parents who to navigate through those really tough experiences."

MT: "A common worry I hear from parents in DC is that we live in such a pressure-cooker city. We're concerned that while there are resource benefits to our geography, does it come at too high a cost for our girls? Your tour has brought you all around the country - do you notice any differences in the issues that girls face in urban (like DC) areas vs more rural/suburban areas? What are things urban parents can do to better ground our daughters?"

RW: "I grew up in DC and now raising a family here, I have to agree with you. I do think living here presents unique challenges. Compared to other communities I work in, commitment to your profession often seems to be valued more than commitment to one's family--even if people say differently. For example, people can work on childcare policy issues but spend so much time doing that that they are hard pressed to be there for their own kids after school. And it's not like I am immune to these problems--I find myself doing it too. So my hope is that the DC tour will be an opportunity for parents and girls to really come together and spend time with each in a way that is sometimes hard to carve out in the business of our everyday lives."

Tickets to the workshop (Tuesday, April 6th 7-9pm at Georgetown Day School's upper school campus at 4200 Davenport Street, NW) are still available on Rosalind's site. The cost is $40 per parent-daughter pair and includes: admission to the event, one copy of each of Rosalind’s latest books, and a gift bag.

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J.K. Rowling Reading at White House Easter Egg Roll

Beloved author (and our tweens' favorite) J.K. Rowling read from the first Harry Potter book, "The Sorcerer's Stone" at today's Easter Egg Roll at the White House. She took many questions from kids in the crowd, including "How did you come up with the idea for Harry Potter?" (Answer: She can't say exactly - from lots of different places), and "Is it true you named Harry after your neighbor?" (Answer: No).

Mrs. Rowling really loves Snape's character and said, "I love writing him, but I wouldn't want to meet him." She is working on books other than Harry Potter and is enjoying her time now away from publishing deadlines.

The day has been filled with amazing performances (including Amber Riley from Glee singing the National Anthem) and readings. President Obama read to the crown from Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" before leaving the event to throw the first pitch out at the National's season opener.

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Video: Cast of Glee Performing at White House Easter Egg Roll

You can also view the event streaming live at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

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White House Easter Egg Roll - President and First Lady Addressing Guests Now

Twitter has had some issues this morning, but you can follow our minute-by-minute coverage of the White House Easter Egg Roll via our Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/MsTwixt. You can also view the event streaming live at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

The cast of Glee already performed "Don't Stop Believing" this morning, and Sara Bareilles just left the stage. President and First Lady Michelle Obama are due to address guests at 10:45am EDT. Glee will return for a second performance at 11am EDT, and Justin Bieber will take the stage around 1pm today.

Photo: Official 2010 White House Easter Eggs (each child receives one); also available for sale at the White House Visitor Center

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Event Details for White House Easter Egg Roll Tomorrow

The White House will livestream performances from the White House Easter Egg Roll tomorrow at www.whitehouse.gov/live. Tween favorites are highlighted below:

• The Cast of Glee performs twice at 8:35am and 11:10am, as does Justin Bieber at 12:35pm and 2:35pm.

• J.K. Rowling will read at 1:30pm and 2pm. Cole Sprouse reads at 2:30pm, and Dylan Sprouse will read at 3:30pm.

From the White House website:
Update: The Easter Egg Roll livestream schedule for Monday, April 5, 2010 has been added below. Watch the events live on WhiteHouse.gov/live

• The President and First Lady Speak at the 2010 Easter Egg Roll: 10:45 AM EDT

Rock 'n' Egg Roll Stage:

• Little Beat Music Performs: 7:45 AM EDT
• Cast of Glee Performs: 8:35 AM EDT, 11:10 AM EDT
• Sara Bareilles Performs: 9:25 AM EDT, 1:25 PM EDT
• Yo Gabba Gabba Performs: 10:00 AM EDT, 12:00 PM EDT
• Justin Bieber Performs: 12:35 PM EDT, 2:35 PM EDT
• Sesame Street Performs: 2:00 PM EDT, 4:00 PM EDT
• Billy Jonas Performs: 3:25 PM EDT, 4:35 PM EDT, 5:25 PM EDT

Story Time Stage:

• Elmo and Maria Read: 8:00 AM EDT
• Shellie  Pfohl Reads: 8:30 AM EDT
• Marian Robinson Reads: 9:00 AM EDT, 12:30 PM EDT
• Reese Witherspoon Reads: 9:30 AM EDT, 10:00 AM EDT
• Special Guests Read: 11:10 AM EDT, 4:00 PM EDT
• Betty DeGeneres Reads: 11:30 AM EDT, 1:00 PM EDT
• Mariska Hargitay Reads: 12:00 PM EDT
• JK Rowling Reads: 1:30 PM EDT, 2:00 PM EDT
• Cole Sprouse Reads: 2:30 PM EDT
• Apolo Ohno Reads: 3:00 PM EDT, 4:30 PM EDT
• Dylan Sprouse Reads: 3:30 PM EDT
• DJ Lance Reads: 5:00 PM EDT
• Art Smith Reads: 5:30 PM EDT

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Beautiful Photo of the First Family at Easter

Happy Easter! Here is a photo from the official White House photographer released of the President, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, and Sasha Obama at church this Easter Sunday.

Photo credit: Official White House photo by Pete Souza.

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J.K.Rowling and Justin Bieber Added to White House Easter Egg Roll Event

The hottest ticket in town keeps getting hotter: J.K. Rowling and Justin Bieber will join the cast of Glee as guests of First Tweens Malia and Sasha Obama at the 2010 White House Easter Egg Roll.

They will join other tween celebrities Dylan and Cole Sprouse (from Disney Channel's The Suite Life), the cast of Glee, Sara Bareilles, and more. This is an annual Easter event at the White House and this year features the First Lady's Let's Move campaign.

The entire list of stars is below.

Wow - such an amazing event! Are you one of the lucky 30,000 ticket holders?

"The White House is pleased to welcome the following performers and leaders in their field to participate in this year's Easter Egg Roll:
· Sara Bareilles, Justin Bieber, the cast of the television show Glee, Yo Gabba Gabba, Sesame Street, and Little Beat, The #1 Chinchilla and DJ Willy Wow! will perform on the Rock ‘n' Egg Roll Stage
· J.K. Rowling, Reese Witherspoon, Apolo Ohno, Mariska Hargitay, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Elmo and Maria of Sesame Street and Betty DeGeneres will read on the Storytime Stage
· Billy Jonas and Miss Amy will perform on the Ellipse
· Chef Art Smith, Chef José Andrés, Chef Cliff Wharton, Chef Nora Poullion, Chef Robert Wiedmaier, Chef Susan Limb, Chef Victor Albisu, and the White House Chefs will prepare healthy eating demonstrations in the Play with your Food station.
· Billie Jean King, Gigi Fernandez, Ilana Kloss, Delaney Rudd, Liezel Huber, Katrina Adams, Anna Rawson, Jane Geddes, Kris Tschetter, Martin Gramatica, Michele Smith, Al Bumbry and Earl Boykins will help organize games in the Sports Zones
· NFL players will lead children in healthy activities as a part of the NFL Play 60 Movement. Those participating include Washington Redskins players Kevin Barnes, Alvin Bowen, Derrick Dockery, Reed Doughty, Chris Horton, Marko Mitchell, Will Robinson, Casey Rabach, Justin Tryon, Edwin Williams, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander, H.B. (Horatio Benedict) Blades, Doug Dutch as well as, Baltimore Ravens players Matt Lawrence and Sam Koch
· The DC Youth Orchestra and the United States Marine Corps Band."

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Happy 205th Birthday to Hans Christian Andersen!

This iconic author would be 205 years old today. His work has inspired untold movies and other stories. Which of his books is your favorite? We still love the Little Mermaid.

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Malia and Sasha Fan Club Tweens Invited to White House

Two fans of First Tweens Malia and Sasha Obama, Kailysia and Kaila Beckwith, have been invited to the White House for the Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 5th. They write a blog about the First Tweens and have covered them since the Inauguration. Congratulations to Kailysia and Kalia - we can't wait to read your posts from the event!

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Please Join Us at Rosalind Wiseman's Girl World Tour Next Week!

We are incredibly excited to participate in Rosalind Wiseman's Girl World Tour when she comes to Washington next week.This is a parent-daughter event designed to get us talking to one another about what's going on in our tween's lives, laughing together, and connecting. Any adult in a tween girl's life is welcome to attend.

Friends of Twixt know that we are big fans of Ms. Wiseman's work. Her books are MUST READS for all tween parents and include "Queen Bees and Wannabes" (upon which the movie "Mean Girls" was based) and "Queen Bee Moms and King Pin Dads".  Her latest book is a young adult title, "Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials" and is for tweens. She is a celebrated speaker and often appears on television to speak about raising strong girls in a trying culture. This event has been touring nationally and has received rave reviews.

Please join us (Twixt, along with Dove, is a co-sponsor of the Washington Girl World event) on Tuesday, April 6th from 7 to 9pm at Georgetown Day School (4200 Davenport Street NW, Washington, D.C.). Tickets are $40 per pair and include two of Ms. Wiseman's latest books and a great swag bag. Call 202-545-0633 or click here for tickets.

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