In the UK, a mother is spending £500 ($690) on treatments for her 12-year-old daughter’s monthly spa visits.
Jeri Bradfield, 35, is teaching her daughter the importance of self-care, and she argues that this is something she’s more than willing to spend out on.
Jeri, from Basildon, Essex, spends over £500 a year on treatments for her daughter Demi, 12, to Lila’s Spa in Westcliff-on-Sea.
Almost every month, Demi is treated to a manicure and pedicure service along with a restorative face mask.
When the pampering session is done, Demi -who has autism- then tucks into an afternoon courtesy of her loving mother.
Every spa trip costs Jeri around £42 ($58), but Jeri insists that it’s money well-spent.
“Demi suffers badly with anxiety but now that I’ve been taking her to get spa treatments done each month, her self-belief has grown so much,” Jeri, who works as a part-time carer told The Sun. “She absolutely loves it and always looks forward to having her next session.”
As Demi is one of Jeri’s four kids, the 35-year-old mom said that Demi’s spa sessions are a chance for them to spend quality time together too.
“It makes her feel so grown up and special and she really enjoys going,” Jeri told the publication. “She comes out afterward and is so happy and excited. It’s really great to see.”
Since the 12-ear-old’s first pampering session two years ago, Jeri says her daughter’s confidence has grown so much and she’ll happily speak with the spa staff.
“No-one has ever said anything bad about me taking Demi out to get pampered every month,” Jeri explained. “I don’t see anything wrong with it. At the end of the day, it’s just a little treat.”
“I would encourage other parents to do this because it’s important to teach children that it’s ok to pamper yourself,” Jeri continued. “It’s such a confidence booster for Demi because she went into the salon so quiet at first and when she came out after she was so chatty. They’re so kind to her.”
Meanwhile, Lila’s Spa owner Kelly Lancaster said that ‘it’s not something you can normally get done on the high street.’
“We’re more of a pampering salon and do mini manicures, facials, body painting, and hair braiding,” Kelly said. “They get to have cucumbers on their eyes when they have facials so they enjoy sitting there and relaxing in the chair.”
“Demi has all of the treatments and it’s her little treat for being good at school or for a bit of a boost,” Kelly added. “We want to promote confidence in children and to be themselves.”