So you kids have reached that age where they are more concerned with how they dress. This is an important period in a child’s life as it gives them an opportunity to express their personality and individuality through what they wear. It can however be a challenging time for you, the parent, as you try to pay for it all while navigating the world of what is appropriate and what is not. To help, we present the following teen fashion tips for parents.
Questions to Ask About Your Teen’s Style of Clothing
There are a few questions that every parent has a right to ask about the style of clothing their teen is wearing at school or when hanging out with their friends.
- Is the outfit setting a bad example? Ask yourself this: would other parents be upset if they saw your child wearing this outfit? Is your child being a “trendsetter” for all the wrong reasons? If you believe the answer is “yes”, it may be time to reconsider the look your teen has chosen.
- Is the outfit too revealing? It’s hard for parents to keep up with what kids are wearing these days, but the idea of what is too revealing is timeless. Parents are urged to “go with their gut” if they believe the child is wearing an outfit that shows too much skin, or is inappropriate for school.
Practical Issues About Teenager Clothing
Fashion sense isn’t the only thing that comes into play when your teenager builds their wardrobe. In these tough times, practicality must also play a role. When you buy an outfit for your child (or give them the money to do so) ask yourself if the garment will be difficult to clean. Kids can be tough on their clothes, so you don’t want to pay a lot of money for something and then have it ruined by a single drop of soda. Teenagers are also prone to growth spurts. If you are buying staples such as boys’ jeans, consider whether or not they are likely to grow out of them quickly.
Give Your Child Credit for Good Fashion Sense
While it is easy to look at your teenager’s choice of clothing and think they made the choice simply for shock value (or to make you lose your mind), you should give your child more credit than that. A new outfit is a way to express one’s self – and for a teenage boy or girl there are few things more important.
Give your teen a chance to explain why he or she made the fashion decision. It will not only make the child feel more empowered, but may also provide a window into who she really is, and how she views herself. As a parent, you may want to guide all of your child’s decisions, including those that involve what they wear. Resist the urge and be there to help provide advice along the way.
