Parenting Tips: School Clothes Shopping So That Everyone is Happy

by Jennifer Shakeel

It is that time of the year again. Everyone is getting ready for school. The schedules are being sent out, the school supply lists and yes, the school clothes. If your child/children are anything like mine then every season means a new persona. Goodbye to the country western cowgirl look, and the nicely dressed young man… we now have the rocker children.

This of course has brought up a few issues over wardrobe items. So in an effort to not stifle their need to be individuals, I came up with a few compromises. I am not going to tell you that they will all work with you and your children, but this is what is working in our house… and so far everyone seems to be happier than they were a week ago.

Tip One: Breathe
There are multiple times in our children's lives that they make a move towards independence. The first time they want to tie their own shoes, pick out their own clothes… cut their food themselves. We all crumble inside the very first time we hear, "I can do it myself." Breathe. Changing their persona on the outside is another one of those times when they want to prove they can do it themselves. Just breathe, we all go through phases.

Tip Two: Understand Who Your Child Is and Talk to Them
Our oldest is heavy into the rocker phase. She got to go spend part of the summer with some friends in a big city. Naturally she picked up a few things from those friends… such as attitude and dressing habits. The attitude we quickly put in check, but the style of clothes… well, is just not acceptable in our house. With my husband at his wits end over the clothing and me cringing every time our daughter came out of her room, we had to draw a line, and have a little talk. READ More on Parenting Tips: School Clothes Shopping So That Everyone is Happy