Lebanese makeup artist, TV host, entrepreneur, and brand ambassador, Joelle Mardinian, posted a daring video that left moms debating all over Facebook communities. The influencer decided to post a video of her shaving her 9-year-old daughter’s legs. Joelle explained that a year ago she decided to start shortening her daughter’s leg hair, instead of shaving, but her daughter was bullied and called disgusting. The girl was too embarrassed to wear any shorts or sleeveless tops.
Believing that every mother has a different opinion, Mardinian explained that she always tries to put herself in her daughter’s shoes so she can help her do what she couldn’t at the same age. The mommy entrepreneur confessed that she was hairy and used to feel embarrassed about it. That’s why she chose to let her daughter avoid such hard feelings. Mardinian clarified that she and her daughter decided to do this video to support other young girls who are embarrassed by their hairy bodies and to encourage their moms to do the same.
With or against?
Joelle Mardinian shaves her daughter’s legs
As usual with similar social media content, reactions varied between support and opposition. Many agreed with Mardinian and said they would do the same with their daughters. They opened their hearts and mentioned how this used to embarrass them as tweens and they never understood why their parents prohibited hair removal.
Many other commenters attacked Mardinian. They believe that the mom opened her daughter’s eyes to things that are age-inappropriate and directed her attention to beauty stereotypes and trends. Moreover, some accused her of contradicting herself as this is against acceptance and self-love. Instead, she is teaching her daughter to pay attention to hateful comments and to change herself for others.
Many moms supported Joelle but refused the public display, as this would embarrass the girl and give people the chance to bully her. Exposing personal lives is a different matter when it comes to public figures. What applies to them doesn’t necessarily suit others.
Shaving body hair is not a harmful fad
Joelle Mardini shaves her daughter’s body hair
I extremely support Mardinian’s choice for her daughter. My grandmother once told me that shaving body hair at a young age back in the days was considered a sign that the girl is dating a guy. It’s 2020 and linking our daughters’ lives and choices to relationships would be insane. As a mother, I’m totally against exposing my young girl to any trend or technology just to fit in.
However, shaving body hair is not a trend as it’s a personal hygiene and self-care matter especially during a phase of massive hormonal changes. Each mom should choose the way to handle it based on her daughter’s age and skin type after referring to a specialist. I see no point in subjecting my child to bullying and harsh comments especially during a critical puberty phase when girls experience many changes in their bodies that leave them confused.
This has nothing to do with body shaming. I can empower my daughter to accept and love herself, yet teach her to take care of her body. Using a special brush to define my daughter’s curls doesn’t mean I don’t accept her curly hair. You might disagree with what Mardinian did. However, I think we should all agree on supporting our children no matter what, respecting other mothers’ choices, and teaching our children to respect others as well.
Tell us your preference as a mom in the comments section.
Further reading: Rahet Bally Teens: We Are Sick of Going Unheard
