From NYTimes.com: Never Too Young for That First Pedicure
But today, cosmetic companies and retailers increasingly aim their sophisticated products and service packages squarely at 6- to 9-year-olds, who are being transformed into savvy beauty consumers before they're out of elementary school.There's something seriously wrong with placing such importance in beauty and fashion with 6-9 year olds. There are more important lessons to be learned in life than this.
I agree. I would prefer that Maggie be more into ponytails and Barbies than going to the salon with me for a pedicure.
I think it's balance. If you take your daughter out for a day with you and it includes a manicure, I see no harm - as long as it's not a ritual. I think it's the responsibility of the parent to instill in the child the importance of being a good person first and accepting of others, before introducing all of this other crap. Although, I have to say, little girls LOVE to play with make-up and play dress-up. They just do. I can remember being the same way. Now - I really could care less.