A side-by-side photo of Kim Kardashian at 13 and her daughter North West at the same age has gone viral, and instead of simply comparing their looks, the image has reignited a much bigger debate about how North is being raised.
Keep reading to learn more.
As pictures of Kim Kardashian at the same age as North West have now gone viral, it has led to a lot of discourse. While some people have praised Kim’s youthful appearance and defended North’s creativity, others questioned whether the teenager’s increasingly dramatic style is appropriate for her age.
The Side-By-Side Comparison Has Everyone Talking
The viral image puts teenage Kim next to North, highlighting just how differently the two looked at the same age.
Young Kim appears in a much simpler, more traditional style. North, meanwhile, has been embracing an increasingly alternative aesthetic, experimenting with bright hair, heavy makeup, piercings, grills, and bold accessories.
While some were critical of North West’s appearance. One person wrote, “She’s gone wild and I doubt her mum has control over that. She’s poorly confused and fed up just as we are too” while another added some criticism for Kim’s parenting, “I can’t believe they let her dress like that this is what happens when you try to be your child’s friend rather than their mother.”
Others appreciated her creativity and also that she was only a young person figuring herself out.
While others thought they were being too unfair, and a bit harsh on the child. One person wrote, “I think North west is just been a teenager doing teenage things. Hopefully, as she grows older, that she gets to be more responsible. She’s still a child and needs more parenting.”
Another wrote, “Everyone is just jealous of a 13 yo for having the ability to express herself freely without being forced to obide by society norms.. she is not naked or doing anything sexual. She is expressing thru culture and art + today is not like 20 years ago.. sorry not sorry”
A Child Psychologist Says Experimenting With Appearance Can Be Normal
Child psychologist Tanya Forster told news.com.au that experimenting with clothing, hairstyles, makeup, music, and appearance can be a normal part of adolescence.
At the same time, she emphasized that parents still have a responsibility to consider safety, developmental appropriateness, online exposure, and consequences teenagers may not yet fully understand.
Forster also warned against adults publicly dissecting a teenager’s appearance, saying that constant scrutiny can leave young people feeling as though their looks are always being judged.
In other words, letting a teenager explore their identity and setting boundaries don’t necessarily have to be opposites.
Kim Kardashian Says She Lets North Express Herself
Kim has previously pushed back against criticism of her parenting style.
During an appearance on Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, she rejected the idea that she simply tries to be North’s best friend and lets her do whatever she wants.
Kim, who shares her daughter with ex-husband Kanye West said North actually has plenty of rules. But when it comes to self-expression, she takes a different approach.
“The one area is I do let her express herself, and I do let her do that. And I love her for it.”
Kim has made a similar point about North’s hair.
During an appearance on Call Her Daddy, she essentially said that if North wants blue hair, she is going to let her have it because it makes her daughter happy.
Kim has also acknowledged that her parenting has evolved as she has had more children, particularly when it comes to devices and other boundaries.
North Is Also Taking Her Music Career Seriously
North’s appearance and fashion choices aren’t the only things putting her in the spotlight. She has also been building a music career.
Her debut EP, N0rth4evr, arrived in May and reportedly blends emo, trap, punk, and metal influences. Her song Aishite features darker lyrics, while its horror-inspired video added another layer to her increasingly alternative image.
Some listeners interpreted the lyrics as a possible cry for help, but North has not confirmed that the song reflects a real-life crisis, so those interpretations remain speculation.
North has made it clear that music is more than just a celebrity hobby for her.
“This is my hobby, this is what I like to do, this is what I wanna do with my life.”
Interestingly, despite growing up surrounded by fame, she has also said she wants some ordinary teenage experiences.
Speaking to Dazed, North said, “I still wanna work. I wanna work at, like, Starbucks next year.”
There always seems to be a lot of opinions around North West and her mother. Share this with others who like to keep up with the latest news from Hollywood.
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