If you've ever left the house with a child wearing a princess dress or a superhero cape, or if you've ever noticed your child socks don't match as you are dropping him/her off at school, you know the struggle of dressing kids. When children reach a certain age, they start to have an opinion about what they want to wear on a daily basis. This can be a challenge for parents who, up to that time, have enjoyed dressed their children in cute kid clothes, without fuss.
Parents should understand that while their little ones are still kids, they are also growing people who are forming their own thoughts and beliefs about the world. That being said, it is important to give them some freedom to express themselves through their kid clothes without letting them take advantage of this new responsibility. This may sound challenging (and it is) but there are some tips and tricks that you can use to help guide your child with their kid clothes choices and make the getting dressed experience an enjoyable one.
List the clothing choices that you find appropriate for your child to wear. Clothing that does protect your child against the weather or that is inappropriate for the occasion should make the inappropriate list. For example, jeans may be okay for a friend's birthday party but not for a formal event. For young children, give them at least two clothing options and choices with acceptable outcomes. For example, you can ask your child if he wants to wear the green or blue shirt. When in a rush, avoid power struggles with your children by giving them the choice of getting dressed for the next day.
Before you get into a clothing battle with your child, ask yourself: "Do you really care if my child goes to preschool with one pink and one red sock if she did all by herself? Does it really matters if my middle-schooler wears all black and wants to style his hair in the latest trend?" Maybe you do, but consider the fact that your child might be merely experimenting with self-expression, or expressing rebellious, or exerting independence, and this behavior is normal for kids and teenagers. Soon or later, your child will have to conform to societal expectations of appropriate clothing in order to be successful and will learn these skills over time. Take into consideration the reason for their fashion choices and decide if is the battle is worth.
For preschoolers, it can be a good idea to select all the clothes for the week to avoid morning power struggles and battles or give our child two outfits to choose from when getting dressed. Allow your child a couple of outfit options to choose from when getting dressed. For your peace of mind, remove any clothing that you're not willing to let your child wear from her closet. Make your children feel proud of their choices by making "I dressed myself today" stickers.
But before, let your child know what is the budget before you get to the store. For example, you can explain to your child that you are going to buy sneakers for school that day, and not rain boots. Give your child a clothing budget for each shopping trip and with your assistance, let them decide which clothing and shoes they want.
Clothing battles and fashion wars can become a power struggle or an opportunity for children to make choices and learn from them. Studies have shown that letting your children dress themselves is beneficial for them as this can help them develop a sense of style and hence, a sense of self-confidence early in life. There are much research on building a child's self-esteem and what better way than to allow them to make choices that make them feel confident?
Playing dress-up is a great way to let your children make choices that make them feel confident. Research has shown that imaginative play is a key part of a child's mental development. A simple blanket tied over a child's shoulder can become a superhero cape, an evil villain garment or a royal robe depending on the whim of the day. Let them image their own characters and build their own storyline through their wardrobe choices.
Parents should understand that while their little ones are still kids, they are also growing people who are forming their own thoughts and beliefs about the world. That being said, it is important to give them some freedom to express themselves through their kid clothes without letting them take advantage of this new responsibility. This may sound challenging (and it is) but there are some tips and tricks that you can use to help guide your child with their kid clothes choices and make the getting dressed experience an enjoyable one.
Give them Appropriate Clothing Options
List the clothing choices that you find appropriate for your child to wear. Clothing that does protect your child against the weather or that is inappropriate for the occasion should make the inappropriate list. For example, jeans may be okay for a friend's birthday party but not for a formal event. For young children, give them at least two clothing options and choices with acceptable outcomes. For example, you can ask your child if he wants to wear the green or blue shirt. When in a rush, avoid power struggles with your children by giving them the choice of getting dressed for the next day.
Determine Which Clothing Battle is Worth
Before you get into a clothing battle with your child, ask yourself: "Do you really care if my child goes to preschool with one pink and one red sock if she did all by herself? Does it really matters if my middle-schooler wears all black and wants to style his hair in the latest trend?" Maybe you do, but consider the fact that your child might be merely experimenting with self-expression, or expressing rebellious, or exerting independence, and this behavior is normal for kids and teenagers. Soon or later, your child will have to conform to societal expectations of appropriate clothing in order to be successful and will learn these skills over time. Take into consideration the reason for their fashion choices and decide if is the battle is worth.
Be Consistent With Fashion Rules and Expectations
Even if you are okay letting your children express themselves with fashion, make it clear that you reserve the right to object to them wearing certain outfits. It is important to explain the reason for the veto so that your children understand why their clothing choice is not appropriate. Once you have set the rules with your kid clothes, stick with them. Don't teach your child to outlast you. Avoid failing to the pitfall of saying 'No' ten times and at the end, 'all right, just this once'.Plan Outfits Ahead
For preschoolers, it can be a good idea to select all the clothes for the week to avoid morning power struggles and battles or give our child two outfits to choose from when getting dressed. Allow your child a couple of outfit options to choose from when getting dressed. For your peace of mind, remove any clothing that you're not willing to let your child wear from her closet. Make your children feel proud of their choices by making "I dressed myself today" stickers.
Shop for Kids Clothes Together
But before, let your child know what is the budget before you get to the store. For example, you can explain to your child that you are going to buy sneakers for school that day, and not rain boots. Give your child a clothing budget for each shopping trip and with your assistance, let them decide which clothing and shoes they want.
Clothing battles and fashion wars can become a power struggle or an opportunity for children to make choices and learn from them. Studies have shown that letting your children dress themselves is beneficial for them as this can help them develop a sense of style and hence, a sense of self-confidence early in life. There are much research on building a child's self-esteem and what better way than to allow them to make choices that make them feel confident?
Playing dress-up is a great way to let your children make choices that make them feel confident. Research has shown that imaginative play is a key part of a child's mental development. A simple blanket tied over a child's shoulder can become a superhero cape, an evil villain garment or a royal robe depending on the whim of the day. Let them image their own characters and build their own storyline through their wardrobe choices.
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