The Pressure to "Grow Up" Too Soon Navigating the Rush to Maturity

So as a business owner using social media is something that I use on a daily basis to promote Serenity For Girls. When I am on these platforms I also see what's available to our girls. I have come to the conclusion that we now live in a world where it seems like everyone is in a hurry to grow up. But for young girls, this rush to mature can be overwhelming and sometimes even harmful.

Between social media, beauty standards, and the expectations placed on them, many girls feel like they have to act older than they actually are. In today’s world, growing up isn't just about gaining wisdom and learning new things it’s also about keeping up with trends, appearing “perfect,” and mimicking adult-like behaviours. But the reality is, there’s no need to rush. Why cant out girls be at home knitting, colouring and doing normal stuff without feeling funny or feeling immature. So let’s dive into why this pressure is so strong, and how we can help our girls embrace the journey of growing up at their own pace.

The Influence of Social Media

With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, young girls are exposed to the lifestyles, beauty standards, and routines of influencers and celebrities from a very young age. These platforms often showcase seemingly "perfect" lives highlighting flawless makeup, elaborate skincare routines, and polished selfies.

But what I am saying It's easy to see why girls might feel like they need to copy these adult-like habits. After all, if a famous influencer is doing it, it must be the “right” way to look, right? But the truth is, these polished images are often highly curated and edited. They don’t show the behind-the-scenes, real moments of life. What we see online doesn’t always reflect the full picture and it can lead young girls to believe that they need to mimic these behaviours and looks to fit in.

The Rush to Beauty Routines and Makeup

At an age when they’re still figuring out who they are, many young girls start experimenting with adult like beauty routines. They’re seeing influencers post about their 10-step skincare routines, and they’re being encouraged to start wearing makeup earlier than ever before.

While there's nothing wrong with wanting to care for your skin or express yourself through makeup, the pressure to adopt such routines can be overwhelming, especially for girls who are still growing and figuring out their natural beauty. Their skin might still be adjusting to puberty, and overloading it with products might not be the best choice.

In addition, trying to mimic adult beauty routines can create unnecessary anxiety and pressure. Girls should feel comfortable in their natural skin and be able to experiment with beauty as they grow older, without feeling rushed to look or act a certain way before they’re ready.

I mean I've seen so many girls using adult brands like Sephora! Like as an adult I don't even use these products lol

The Harmful Effects of Rushing to Grow Up

So lets talk about the pressure to grow up too soon it can have serious consequences on a young girl’s mental health. Trying to keep up with beauty trends, comparing themselves to influencers, and feeling like they have to act older than they are can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. It can also take away the joy of just being a child of having time to play, explore, and make mistakes without worrying about meeting unrealistic beauty standards.

This rush to grow up can also lead to deeper issues like body image. They may start to feel like they need to change how they look to be “good enough.” They might start comparing their bodies to those of influencers or celebrities and feel insecure about their natural development. But it’s important to remind them that their worth isn’t tied to how they look it’s about who they are on the inside, how they treat others, and how they grow through life’s experiences.

So how can we support our girls in growing at their own pace?

As parents, mentors, and role models, we have the opportunity to guide our girls in embracing their age and growing at a pace that feels right for them. Instead of pushing them to keep up with beauty standards or online trends, we can encourage them to focus on self-love, self-expression, and confidence without feeling the need to rush.

Here are some ways we can help

Emphasise natural beauty - Remind them that beauty doesn’t come from makeup or skincare routines it comes from feeling comfortable in their own skin. Praise their natural features and encourage them to embrace their unique qualities.
Teach critical thinking - Help them understand that what they see online isn’t always real. Encourage them to be critical of the content they consume and to question the beauty standards that are often portrayed on social media.
Create space for exploration - Encourage your daughter to explore new activities, hobbies, and interests that don’t revolve around beauty or trends. Help her find what makes her feel confident and proud of who she is inside and out.
Celebrate being young - Remind them that there’s no rush to grow up. Encourage them to enjoy the freedom and fun that comes with being a child and to take time to discover who they truly are without the pressure to look or act like someone they’re not.

Free Activity - The “I Am” Self-Worth Journal

Here’s a simple, fun activity you can do together (or that your daughter can do on her own). It’s called the “I Am” Self-Worth Journal, and it’s a way for girls to reflect on all the amazing things that make them, them. It’s all about focusing on who they are and building their self-esteem.

What you need

A notebook or a few sheets of paper
Markers, pens, or stickers to make it fun

Instructions

Start with the sentence “I am…” and write 3 things they love about themselves.
Next, write 3 things they’re proud of achieving (no matter how big or small!).
Encourage them to think about their strengths, what are they good at?
Finally, have them draw a picture or decorate the page to show off their “I Am” qualities.

This simple activity can help them take a moment to think about who they are both inside and out and feel good about it. Plus, it’s a great way to slow down and appreciate where they are in life, without the pressure to “grow up” too quickly.

Inside the Serenity For Girls Academy - Embrace Your True Self (Aprils pre-recorded session)

This is just one small part of what we focus on inside the academy. We talk a lot about self-worth, embracing who you are, and feeling confident in your own skin. If you’re looking for more resources, fun activities, and support on this journey, the academy is a great space for both you and your daughter to explore together.

It’s all about supporting them as they grow at their own pace no rush, just embracing who they are right now and building the confidence to shine in their own way.

Let’s help our girls understand that they don’t have to keep up with trends or rush to grow up before they’re ready. They’re already amazing just as they are.

JOIN THE ACADEMY HERE - https://www.serenityforgirls.co.uk/online-academy