NHS doctor and wife of singer Peter Andre, Emily Andre, has opened up about a conscious parenting decision she makes to steer her 11-year-old daughter away from becoming fixated on her looks.
A Deliberate Shift in Compliments
Speaking on the True Reflections with Gia Mills podcast this week, the 36-year-old explained that she deliberately avoids complimenting her daughter Amelia's appearance. Instead, she focuses praise on her child's strengths, personality, and skills. Emily admitted that while praising looks often feels like a natural first instinct for parents, she is committed to not making everything "all about how you look".
"What I try and do with the kids, which I’m sure is what all parents do, is I really try and focus on their strengths, the things that they’re good at, and really build that up," she said. "I try not to focus that much on appearance."
Emily clarified that she does still give compliments, such as telling her nine-year-old son Theo he is handsome, but the emphasis is firmly placed on non-appearance attributes. She married Mysterious Girl hitmaker Peter Andre, 52, in 2015, and they share three children: Amelia, Theo, and baby Arabella.
Strict Rules on Makeup for Pre-Teens
The conversation extended to Emily's approach to makeup for her pre-teen daughter. She described herself as "probably a little bit stricter than some of her friends’ parents" but acknowledged there is no single right answer.
"I think I’m much more on the end of, like, she’s not allowed to really wear makeup," Emily stated. "She has a bit of clear mascara, a bit of clear eyebrow gel, a bit of lip gloss, but that’s about as far as I’ll let her go at the moment."
She added that her daughter has "the most perfect skin", which she wants her to care for rather than cover up. Emily also recognised the mixed messages children receive, as Amelia watches her apply makeup for work while being told she doesn't need it herself.
A Contrast to Princess Andre's Upbringing
This parenting style stands in stark contrast to the upbringing of Peter's eldest daughter, Princess, 18, from his previous marriage to glamour model Katie Price, 47. Princess has worn makeup from a young age, which has previously sparked public debate and even reported conflict between her parents.
When Princess was just eight, reports suggested Peter and Katie were "at war" over her wearing a full face of makeup. In 2016, Katie later admitted she was "in the wrong" for posting pictures of a fully made-up Princess online, acknowledging concerns about how such images could be perceived.
Emily concluded that parenting through the tween years is about managing a "gradual transition from being a child to being an adult". She believes the balance is currently working for her family, but accepts things will change as Amelia grows older.
