Long gone are the days when children’s clothing looked formal or was dictated by their elders. Many modern parents are now letting their kids choose what they wear on a day-to-day basis to express their personality or showcase their interests.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why today’s parents are letting children decide on what they wear – and some of the top tips on how to do the same.
Reasons for the shift
In the past, parents would be the key decision makers in terms of what their children wear. But there’s been a shift in thinking over the past couple of decades with more and more parents allowing their children to take the reins and choose their own clothes.
Here are just some of the reasons why:
1. It can give them confidence
Our sense of self begins from a very young age, so allowing kids to decide the clothing that matches their identity can help them to build confidence and boost their self-esteem.
2. It allows them to express themselves
Self-expression is worth celebrating and children can benefit from getting the opportunity to do so. Clothing is, of course, one of the ways we show off who we are as adults, so it makes sense that we’d give young ones the opportunity to do the same.
3. A bit of freedom can go along way
As children age, they want more and more freedom. It’s recommended to give it to them gradually – and allowing them to pick their own clothes is one way to start.
4. It takes the job off your list!
Being a parent is busy, so having your kids take on the responsibility of choosing what they wear can take one job off your very long list.
How to get started
Want to start seeing the benefits of letting children pick their own clothes based on their interests? Below you can read some of our top tips.
Let their passions do the talking
It seems straightforward but like any aspect of how we identify ourselves, our passions and interests come into play.
Music, for example, often has its own clothing style associated with it. If your child is into hip hop, they might select an urban kids-set. Or if they love a bit of punk or rock, some darker items of clothing or band tees – or even heavy jewellery – might become a staple in their wardrobe.
Other kids – especially the younger ones – might be into films or tv series. A favourite animated hero, for example, may be one they’ll want on their clothing.
Whatever it is that they’re interested in is a good base to help them decide what clothing they’d like to wear.
Guide them based on age
Age has to play a factor when it comes to how children dress. Even though it’s worthwhile allowing kids to express themselves through clothing, it should be age appropriate. This includes the length and style of the clothes, but also any language or graphics that appear on the clothing themselves.
Many stores these days sell clothing based on age range so that should make for a good guide if you’re in any doubt!
Keep an eye on price
While you may want to give your kids lots of freedom when it comes to choosing their clothes, you still need to keep an eye on price so as not to go overboard. A useful tip is to allocate a set budget every month for your children to spend on clothes and always ensure they stick within it. This can also help them develop money-saving skills, so has a secondary benefit!
Overall letting your children choose their own clothing is a great thing. Not only is it great for their self-confidence and personal development but it is great for them learning how to budget when buying what they want. All leads to great development and personal growth.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 