The Perfect Little Girl

Every mother wants the perfect daughter.

Clean your face.

You shouldn't look so sad.

Don't smear it.

What made you so dumb?

What is this?

Since when did you cry?

Chin up, hon.

You will be beautiful.

Put that down.

Powder your nose again.

Look good, dear.

Keep your hands away.

Oh my good god.

Have you lost your mind?

You ruined it.

Now look at your face.

It's too ugly.

Get a wipe and go to bed.

I am ashamed.

I am your mother, dear girl.

I know best.

No one loves an ugly face.

Puffy eyes?

Put these on to hide them.

Sit up straight.

Don't ever slouch again.

Paint it pink.

That's not how girls speak.

I don't care.

Curl your hair and lashes.

Cherry lip gloss.

What did mother tell you?

My pretty girl.

Why did you cut your hair?

Long is pretty.

Cry all you want, little girl.

I've had enough.

You'll never be beautiful.

Not like sissy.

She doesn't squirm away.

Who are you?

It's just a little makeup.

Be perfect.

Take off your sweatpants.

Wear a skirt.

Take off your sweatshirt.

Wear a blouse.

Why don't you love mother?

I've helped you.

I've made you into perfection.

Not happy?

Such an ungrateful nuisance.

Not my fault.

I am your mother, little girl.

I know best.

Author's Note

My mother often pressured my sister and I to do a lot of girly things despite the fact that my sister is a tomboy and I am just not interested. This much pressure to be perfect girls as children has led us to be the exact opposite and grow a certain disliking towards our semi-sexist mother.

Reviews

[Nolo Segundo]

I thin you're realizing that parents, being imperfect themselves, often try to make up for their own shortcomings in their kids. Of course I write this as one who was too afraid of the responsibility to have a kid.