All my '90s babies no doubt remember the "iconic" fashion statements of the early 2000s: blue eye shadow so bright it was blinding, blush so bold its only competitor was a flowering rose bush, and layers upon layers of neon tank tops, mini denim skirts, and shimmery shoes that defined a generation. Kids in every upper-elementary and middle school throughout the nation were subject to follow these trends, and they became better people because of them. Today, kids are skipping this "awkward" phase and it is causing some definite issues.

My friends, my sister, and I all went through not-at-all-ignorable awkward phases. My sister was queen of the high waisted pants and visible ankles while I rocked my sequined high tops every single day until my mom made me throw them out. Everyone looks back on their youth and most likely cringes at what they see: the lumpy, little caterpillar of prepubescence. But you know what? I am proud of my caterpillar stage. Without it, I would not have found the butterfly within myself. (I know it's cheesy, but you get the point.) The awkward phase that every kid was obligated to experience alongside me is necessary for the development of individuality. It is during this time that one can unapologetically experiment with image before society has brainwashed him or her to conform to strict, unrealistic beauty standards.

In today's world, I see fewer and fewer kids experiencing this "awkward" phase. Younger and younger girls are learning professional tips and tricks with makeup that my nineteen-year-old self has yet to master. Middle schoolers are dressing like twenty-somethings. It is as if these girls are skipping the caterpillar phase and moving straight to womanhood. This is problematic because it eliminates the experimental stage where a child has the opportunity to find herself without being judged by society. It eliminates individuality and encourages conformity. It forces these girls to grow up so much faster than is necessary simply because they look older. Missing out on key aspects of a childhood is detrimental to one's development.

I blame certain role models in today's society. Where I had Britney Spears and JoJo rocking sparkly neck scarves and platform flip-flops, looking as confident and unapologetic as ever, kids today have Kardashians wearing waist-trainers and contour kits to conceal insecurities. If children skip the awkward phase and don't experience the rights and wrongs of fashion without being judged, then they are not able to develop a strict sense of individuality, which will lead to confusion and low self esteem in the future.

While the trends of the early 2000s might seem ridiculous and questionable now, it was exactly those outrageous expressions of personality that allowed me to grow up with confidence in how I chose to express myself. Skipping the $2.00 eye shadow palettes and neon lipstick from Claire's and diving straight into a world of Kim Kardashian contour kits and Kylie Jenner lip gloss eliminates a necessary phase of development. It essentially takes away a person's childhood. You have your whole life to be an adult. Don't miss out on key factors of a stellar childhood simply because society has deemed it "unfashionable" to be a kid.