It’s summer and I’m on vacation and I’m noticing some things that are bugging me and it has to do with the way girls my age try, on the outside, to not BE their age. And this week, I’m noticing three things in particular.
THE SKINNY PROBLEM
Seven to fourteen (maybe older!) year old girls have started to get the idea that they have to be stick thin in order to be beautiful. THIS IS NOT TRUE. You can be beautiful in any size you are! With my friends, when they start putting their bodies down (“Oh, my butt is so meh!”), I remind them, just because the models and actresses you see look like that, doesn’t mean you have to. Somebody once said to me I was fat. I am perfectly okay with that. I couldn’t care less that they think I’m fat; it is being unhealthy that gets me worried and that’s what I told that person! Look at Mercedes from Glee. She isn’t stick thin but she is beautiful to me and she’s talented and she’s confident and she’s awesome. Someone around my age said to me she does a 30 minute workout in the winter to look good in a swimsuit. We’re TEN!
CUZ YOU’RE AMAZING, JUST THE WAY YOU LOOK: Some girls think they need to be some image, but who cares what people think of you?! If someone says a rude comment, screw them. They are jerks! As long as you like yourself (AND YOU SHOULD, YOU SHOULD LIKE YOURSELF), that is fine. Repeat after me: Cuz you’re amazing, just the way you look.
THE MAKE-UP PROBLEM
I see eight year old girls wearing makeup, casually. Not as dress-up, not as a joke, but FOR REAL!!! Seriously? What is that? It’s gross to see little girls with make up on, looking like they’re grown-ups. I don’t think that kids should be wearing mascara or foundation or any of that junk when you’re my age. You have the rest of your life to put that stuff on your face. I have been seeing people applying makeup in school, and taking it off before school ends so they don’t get into trouble at home. If your parents wouldn’t like it, it isn’t okay.
CUZ YOU’RE AMAZING JUST THE WAY YOU LOOK: Don’t hide your natural, beautiful self! Makeup just hides your natural beauty! Like I said, you are perfect just the way you look!
THE I-AM-OLDER PROBLEM
Some kids my age dress like they are 30, especially if you count in all the make-up wearing. I’ve noticed that some girls wear cropped shirts without t-shirts underneath and you see their bellies, high heels, very short shorts, like shorter than they ought to be. What’s up with that? I don’t want to see all that noise! I always feel like saying, “Pretty soon you’ll be 20 or 30 and you won’t be able to shop in the kids’ section at your favorite store or maybe silly graphic tees won’t be as fun for you anymore.”
CUZ YOU’RE AMAZING JUST THE WAY YOU LOOK: I know some girls can’t wait to dress older, but you have the rest of your lives to dress that way. I think that when you’re 10 or 11 or 12 you should enjoy being that age and dressing that way because when you’re 20, you can’t really dress like a 10 year old, if you know what I mean.
So the thing I’m saying is this: You’re Amazing, Just The Way You Look.
That’s it for Ruby’s Corner, see you next week, and on twitter: @rubykarp all the time.
Geez Ruby, I wish I had you for a BFF when I was a youngster. I’ve always dealt with body image issues, as most girls do. Ruby, please keep that confidence, strength and wisdom forever and ever. You will take over the world!
ijust noticed i put you are so totally write and nor right.. yes i am crazy and i really should proof my posts but my comentstill stands
you are so totally write and this beautifully written, and a s30 year old i can assure you i would much rather shop in the kids section and wear funny graphic tees, unfortunately being 30 i can’t coz theres no way they would stretch quite that far
you are a very smart young lady and you have your ehad screwed on marvelously don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not perfect because you are the one and only you and who could ever be a better you than you.
Ok Wow. How old are you, because this article seriously blew my mind. This is so inspirational and EVERYONE neeeeeds to read this. I am seriously printing this. Amazing work, Loved it!
You are an awesome younger lady!
you have an amazing perspective on life for such a young girl, your parents have done/are doing a fantastic job raising you! kudos to you & your parents!
Ruby you are incredibly smart!! I hope if I have daughters they share your wisdom!
I love this! I think I WILL repeat your advice more often!
Dang, girl, you have a great head on your shoulders!!! Thanks for the inspiration
The skinny part: true. The make-up part: very true. The I am older part: that’s what happen in every country for teenage girls. Keep putting facts, Ruby. I fell in love with your post
act your age, not your shoe shoe, yes? 
*I mean, not your shoe size. dang -_- sorry
Thanks Ruby. Am going to show this to my eight year old.
Girl, you’re so awesome. It’s great that someone your age actually realizes that stuff; it truly irks me to see girls in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL putting make-up on and dressing like they’re teenagers on their way to some club. Really? When I was their age, I was running around my backyard having Lego wars with the neighbor boys and my brothers. Getting back to the point, though, this is a VERY significant post. You keep up the good work, lovely =]
This is so true. Really, at any age and stage of your life you should be able to say – YES! I am Amazing, just the way I am!!! It’s also true that at any age, appropriate clothing is important – no one want’s to “see all that noise”. You are such a totally cool breath of fresh air, Ruby! And we need that (especially in the heat wave we’re having up here in Toronto!!!)
oh my goodness! Ruby is so refreshing and delightful. I seriously got chills when I read this just because Ruby is so articulate and correct! I adore this post!
This is fantastic, Ruby. Thank goodness you are a smart amazing cookie and will be spared from a lot of the nonsense. Growing up is tough, but you have a great outlook that can even teach those of us who (arguably) have been through it! Very cool.
You are so right, Ruby! Thanks for the wonderful post!
I am glad to see a person of your age with a good head on your shoulders. I am glad that you put this out there for people! KEEP IT UP!
I had to look at your age a couple of times because you sound so mature! Thank goodness you have a good head on your shoulders. It takes most of us a lifetime to realize that we should like ourselves! More power to you!!
Oh Ruby! I wish I was half as wise as you when I was your age. Seriously! You’re awesome. Keep up the good work!
Oh my you are just too lovely! I am almost 17 and I need to be reminded of this! Thank you!