Playing dressing up in mummy’s high heels, tottering around the bedroom is one thing. Or even wearing Cinderella shoes while playing the princess at home.

But actually going out in public in your own pair of heels when you’re barely three years old? And not only once or twice for that special occasion, but more on a everyday basis? And then your mother thinks you should, because you love them, and that they can’t be too damaging, since they where bought in a dance shop?

First I was thinking that this was some mad celebrity stunt, that wouldn’t affect us “ordinary people”. It was therefor with shock and horror that I recently discovered lots of sparkly high heeled tiny shoes in one of the high street accessorise shops.
And then you have the extremely funny, completely soft, shoes for babies 0-6 months, designed to look like high heels. What’s the point? What’s wrong with being a baby whilst you still can? An I do certainly not find these shoes hilarious! Only sad.

Then a supermarket giant launched padded bras for girls as young as seven. The “bust-booster” bra was sold alongside vests in the supermarket’s seven to eight-year-old range.
Another supermarket was also marketing black lacy underwear to nine-year-old girls.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said children were being psychologically damaged by inappropriate “sexy” clothing and toys.
Christopher Cloke, head of child protection awareness at the NSPCC, said:

“This is part of a worrying trend of inappropriate clothing being marketed at young children.”

I find myself strongly agreeing with these statements. It’s a worrying trend.

Having two young girls myself I can’t help thinking what if Amélie should prance around in high heels and Beatrice wear a padded pink lace bra?! What’s wrong with letting children be the innocent children that they in fact are? I think it’s important for parents not being too naive on this topic, but on the contrary make a clear statement. Let our children be children.Picture shows lovely soft cotton underwear by danish designer Petit by Sofie Schnoor. Just an example that it’s easy to find lovely and comfortable underwear for your little girl. Available at Nordic Kids.

Photos: Petit by Sofie Schnoor