Why is it that when we parents come together—at school gates, birthday parties or playdates—we are all singing from the same hymn sheet?
We want to nurture, protect, and preserve our children’s innocence for as long as possible. We agree they should be allowed to be kids—messy, imaginative, carefree. We unite in solidarity, promising to keep them age-appropriate in all that they do.
But when we are alone, outside the comforting chorus of like-minded parents, something shifts.
Somehow—through relentless requests, emotional persuasion, or simply the fear of being the "odd one out"—our children convince us otherwise.
The Reality Check
It is easy to judge:
"It’s the parents buying it for them."
"What happened to boundaries?"
But parenting in isolation is hard. And in today’s hyper-connected world, the pressure is relentless—for us and for them. Before we point fingers, let us pause, breathe, and walk in each other’s shoes.
Because truthfully? We are all navigating this new, crazy and scary terrain together.
Why This Matters – Especially Now
This Child Safety Week, beginning on the first Monday of June, we are reminded that child protection is not only about locks on cupboards or crossing roads safely. It is also about protecting what goes on—and into—their skin.
At Naturally Tiwa, we have taken a firm and loving stand: Let Children Be Children.
The beauty industry is booming—but it is also bleeding into childhood. Kids are being bombarded by curated images, influencer routines, and misinformation that tells them they need anti-aging at age 10.
And so, they ask. They want. They plead.
But here are some truths:
A six or eight-year-old has no business using chemically laden, adult-formulated skincare.
Their skin is thinner, more sensitive, and still developing.
The barrier meant to protect them is being compromised before it has even matured.
Retinols? Exfoliants? Hyaluronic acid?
Let’s be honest—those are not childhood essentials.
The Consequences Are Real
When children use skincare not made for them, the risks range from skin irritation and hormone disruption to long-term damage we don’t yet fully understand. What is meant to be self-care becomes self-harm—dressed in pastel packaging and sold as empowerment.
We need to draw the line.
So, What Can We Do?
This is not about shaming. It is about shifting.
Because when we come together—really together—we are powerful.
We need to reclaim community.
We need to talk, not just in WhatsApp groups, but openly, intentionally, and without judgement.
And yes—we need to learn to say “no.” Not out of fear, but out of love.
Truth be told, I am in it too.
I am still holding the line on mobile phones—my 11-year-old twins are the only ones in their year without them (for now). And yes, the pressure is real. Sometimes I cave. Sometimes I don’t. But what helps is knowing I am not alone.
Let us create a culture where “no” doesn’t isolate us—but connects us.
Let’s Be Their Protection
So, this Child Safety Week, let us do more than post hashtags.
Let’s pause before we purchase.
Let’s resist the pressure to conform.
Let’s educate our children on real beauty—and real boundaries.
And above all, let’s hold the line—together.
