DIY...dressing?
Recently I read a magazine article about a controlling mom who still picked out her four year-old's clothing each day.
My first thought was: "Who in their right mind would let a four year old dress herself??" I personally loved picking out Paige's clothes every day, that kind of thing is fun for me. She's like my real-life little paper doll! But the article got me thinking: "Am I doing Paige a disservice by dressing her myself?" An interesting question.
Then I started thinking about my own childhood. One of the stories that my mom loves to tell about me is how I dressed when I was a little girl! I loved clothes. (Still do!) And I would have rather had a pretty pink dress for christmas than any toy or doll. My mother often let me dress myself, (thanks, Mom!)even when we went to church! She said I would always pile on all of my favorite things; my favorite dress with my favorite pants underneath, my favorite sweater on top...you get the idea. In my mind I was beautiful.
me in my glory:
So I decided that maybe I should let Paige practice some creativity and dress herself. No rules. No mom-fluence. As long as it was seasonally appropriate and modest, she could wear what she loved! I couldn't wait to see what she came up with. And you know? She didn't do too bad! The girl's got style.
I decided a little photographic documentation was in order for the first week, so after she got dressed every morning we snapped a few. After all, it's a big deal to dress yourself! She'll have fun looking back when she's grown.
I cannot get enough of her poses! Occasionally I'll ask her to pose a certain way, but these are all her own. I think she favors "the big kiss" the most, wouldn't you say?
So how do you guys do it? Do your kids dress themselves? I'm curious which side has more votes. Although I'm really convinced that it probably doesn't matter much one way or the other. :O)
Happy Wednesday!
Love,
Disney
I love her sense of style! Very cute and fun!
ReplyDeleteI've almost always allowed my kids to dress themselves. I have a lot of influence over what they have in their drawers and closets, though, so my "mark" is still on their outfits. I pick the pieces, and they combine them.
ReplyDeleteShe most definitely DOES have style...I would love to wear Monday, thursday, or Saturday myself! :) where di you but all those cute tiny-tyke scarfs?
ReplyDeleteI have a 19-month-old, so she can't do a whole lot herself, but I give her some options (like this dress or that 2-piece set). I love when she picks the dress. I love your post though. I think as soon as she's old enough to actually put the clothes on herself, I'll let her have at it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how my kids dress.... very Punky Brewster at times, but it's so fun to see the creativity.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter (now three) has been picking out her own outfits every day since before she was two. Yes, sometimes she looks a little crazy (she often takes the "go big or go home" approach to fashion), but it makes her happy and is a great way for her express a little creativity and individuality. As parents, we're always telling our kids what to do, where to go, and how to behave, so it's nice to have one area that allows them to make their own choices.
ReplyDeleteMy son has been picking out his own clothes to wear since before he was 2. He is VERY opinionated. He only wants to wear "daddy shirts" (shirts with buttons) and jeans. To switch to summer clothes was a big struggle to lose the jeans. But I let him pick out shorts at the store. While we were there he picked out a hat and sunglasses too. He always looks good and it is all his doing. He is my little tim gunn.
ReplyDeleteMy kids have been dressing themselves since they were old enough to get their shirts on by themselves. Maybe 2 and a half? I don't know. Occasionally I'll veto, and my daughter (who will be 6 next week) now asks me frequently if she's allowed to wear what she wants to wear, because we had a big issue with her wanting to wear a dress without pants underneath to school, and she wasn't allowed. So if she wants to wear a dress, she asks first, because I won't let her if we're going to be out in certain situations, but I will if we're going to be home all day, or to go to the store.
ReplyDeleteMy son (four and a half) doesn't understand "seasonally appropriate" and actively refuses to dress appropriately for the weather. I've stopped fighting about it. If he gets too hot or too cold, he'll change. And when winter rolls around, I just remove all his short sleeves and shorts so he doesn't have any too-cold options.
Most of the reason I let them choose their own clothes is because honestly, that's one thing I can let go of. I have to be on top of so many things throughout the day, their clothing choices don't have to be on my agenda. But that's just me. I needed to let go of some control in some aspects of their lives, and that was one I could give over to them. I don't think it matters all that much as far as individuality and creativity, unless you're forcing your child to wear clothes that he/she hates, but I don't know of a single person who would do that.
She did a really good job! I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteMy kids dress themselves; well, the 5 and 3 year olds do. The 19 month old picks the shirt she wants to wear and I do the rest.
ReplyDeleteWe have some general guidelines they have to follow...we loook nice for church; (Dresses or skirts for the girls, and collared shirts for my little man) but other than that, they pick. I makes them feel like they have some control and to be honest it is one less thing to deal with. In the grand scheme of things, the sense of pride tbey have far outweighs my annoyance that my five year olds pretty much just wars pink.
Yep i let my daughter dress herself. I gave up that fight years ago (she's almost 7). I figure there are lots of other things we have to fight over why do that one too!
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute! I don't have kids yet, but I think that I would dress them myself and maybe let them make some suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI particularly love Wednesday! So chic! And she apparently loves scarfs as much as you! :) Like Mother, Like Daughter.
ReplyDeleteTorie
What a Sweetie!!
ReplyDeleteI let my boys dress themselves (6 and 3) and they always do a great job. I find if you buy them clothes that look nice it's hard to go wrong.
Wow, she DOES have great style! She dresses better than I do lol
ReplyDeleteI'm actually really surprised that you don't usually allow your daughter to dress herself! I love seeing the crazy outfits! Dressing ourselves is the biggest way we can define ourselves. It's our own personal everyday canvas to portray our creativity, our personality, our mood. My daughter is 15 months old and already picks out her outfits. Yep, sometimes she wears two different shoes, but who cares? She's happy and I'm allowing her to be her own person!
ReplyDeleteI hope this doesn't come across as mean.
Paige definitely has style and good taste - must take after mom's creativity. Something about Monday's outfit that I really like - all the denim with her pant legs rolled. You know she is so adorable anything would look good on her :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I started to read this post of yours I immediately thought "Well why would I let them dress themselves?" But, I guess you gotta point here - after all, that certainly develops independence and creativity.
ReplyDeleteI usually don´t have time for this in the morning, but this could also be a good bedtime activity.
Sending love all the way from Croatia:-)
My 4 year old has been choosing her own clothes for a while now. She usually picks out her outfit for the next day during her afternoon "quiet time". Most the time I let her wear what she wants (it's just not worth fighting over most of the time), but occassionally I'll pick, if it's for a special occasion or I want her to wear something that has been a gift. Side note: when she's been naughty and we need to punish her, one of the worst things we can do is take away her skirts and dresses and make her wear pants! She usually shapes up pretty quickly after a few days without her beloved "fancy" clothes. ;)
ReplyDeleteLove it! She's definitely got lots of style. I let my daughter dress herself and it's mostly tacky, but fun.
ReplyDelete~FringeGirl
My kids (5 and 3) both dress themselves and have since they were 2. It's one way for them to express themselves creatively while also giving me one less "job" to do in the morning. They learn lessons (how to button/snap/tie) and find joy in being independent. As long as it's clean and they're following my modesty rules (leggings/shorts under skirt/dress and underwear is a must), I don't care what they wear! And like a previous person commented, I buy or make all of their clothes so it's not like I don't have any say in their appearance.
ReplyDeletePaige looks so cute! She did great at acessorizimg- better than me! My older two have been dressing themselves since there were about 2 1/2. My oldest loved dressing herself and it was too much work to fight her on what she is wearing. I have the same rule, that as long as it is weather appropriate and modest she can wear whatever. Some days that just means jeans and a tee and some days that means head to toe piurple, or red, or rainbow. :). I figure if they are getting themselves dressed it's one less thing I have to do!
ReplyDeleteLove her sense of style! I let my five year old dress herself and more often than not I'm really impressed with the combinations she puts together. My daughter is my fashion inspiration!
ReplyDeleteShe should DEFINITELY dress herself, in fact she can come dress me too if she wants...she has better style than I do!
ReplyDeleteShe has great style!
ReplyDeleteEveryone dresses themselves here....it can be scary but I am too busy/tired.
Okay so I have to jump in with a comment. First off way to let go of something, as Momma's we have a hard time watching our littles grow up and it can be hard to let go of simple things like letting them dress themselves.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I loved dressing my kids but I have five and I just don't have that kind of time, or the inclination to do so. In fact I remember when I was pregnant with #3 almost due and I was struggling to help my 3 year old and 18 month old get dressed and distinctly remembered telling them this was the very last day I was getting them dressed. Ever since then around 18 months 2 years I gave up dressing the kids (well except my baby). As a result we have had some very funny outfits and memories that I wouldn't swap out for any well dressed child.
On another note, I make my older boys (ages 5,7,&8) do their laundry too. Momma has to craft sometime right?
While I would love to have a say in my children's clothing choices, they are VERY picky. I let them wear what they want all week (sometimes having to FORCE the boy to wear a sweater) but I get veto rights on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteLook at that little miss sassy pants, adorable! I remember once I put on a white turtleneck that had Bugs Bunny and Taz all over it, a purple corduroy jumper, tights, and some kind of clogs when I was about six. My mom was letting me dress myself, but my dad didn't want to be seen with me. I'm pretty sure I'll let my daughter dress herself.
ReplyDeleteI love this post and hope you'll do more like it! Monday and Wednesday's outfits are my favorites :)
ReplyDeleteI dnt have kids (is it weird I still enjoy your blog though) but I knw when I was a kid my mum always picked out my clothes until I was about 10 and I dont think I am any the worse for it, except I cringe at a lot of photos from when I was a kid but at least I have the excuse of 'my mum made me wear it'. So I agree it doesnt matter either way.
ReplyDeleteEmily xx
My mom always dressed us. It was obvious when we dressed ourselves (or when Dad was in charge) so I imagine that's why she did most of the clothing choices for us!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Paige is doing a good job!
She is SO darling! Because fashion is such a big part of our family, my girls both LOVE clothes (and shoes and accessories...)so in our house, we do both; sometimes I choose, sometimes the kids choose for themselves. I decide what clothes they have access too (I keep their dressers stocked with well fitting, seasonally appropriate pieces) and for the most part, they get to choose what they wear. It's fun for me to see their personalities come through in their outfit choices and for the most part they make really good choices.
ReplyDeleteHappy Day!
Michelle
www.daydreambelievers.net
Well for me, I have 3 boys and then came my girl. Yep. Somewhat of a mix of a tomboy and girly girl tho. She'd wear a cute pretty dress in the dirt if I let her. Oh, and she's 5. So she's still young.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time I give her some choices or let her wear whatever as long as its (like you said) appropriate weather and modest. Sometimes it comes out pretty good. And other times I just let it go and flow with it. It makes her feel proud. (Even tho it'll drive me nuts I still smile :)
However, there's times where there's an occasion or church where I'd like to see her wear her best. Again, I try to let her choose. Sometimes she'll choose the simplest common dress vs. pretty and poofy.
Lately, she's been asking me to dress pretty and then she will. Or give each other turns to pick outfits and doing hair makeovers. I think its sweet.
Anyways, its fun. She loves color like her mama. So you gotta love that. When I shop around I try to see thru her eyes by asking what she likes to get a better taste of her personality. I want her to love what she likes :)
Thanks for your time. Love seeing your cute posts!
The main thing is that children feel loved. And that's what I get when I look at these photos. Such a cutie... May need to pinch her 'big kiss' pose :)
ReplyDeletexx
http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.co.uk
hahahaha It's so funny she picked the same outfit for a second day, she's so cute and I bet she's enjoying feeling like a grown up girl picking out her own outfits! I have a boy so it's very easy for him and well he's a pre-teen now so he doesn't think much about clothes yet.=)
ReplyDeleteSuch cute outfits and poses. She's great!
ReplyDeleteMy kids have dressed themselves from when they are interested in doing so. I get to "help" on Sundays, but it's pretty obvious that my three year old dresses herself. She quite frequently has two different shoes on, socks, and mis-matched clothes. It's pretty cute though, I think!
My youngest always dressed herself. The first time I sent her to daycare with a note that said she did it not me. She had on three pairs of pants and a skirt and two shirts and two sweaters. The baby sitter laughed and said when she ate, she just peeled off the messy layer so it was all good.
ReplyDeleteLove these outfits, pictures, and rules- as long as it's seasonally appropriate and modest, that's great with me. I have been giving my daughter a choice in clothing since she was 2, but it's often between two shirts or two dresses. Lately all she wants to wear is the Snow White dress I made her and I don't mind at all!
ReplyDeleteWow, I stopped dressing my girls at about 18 months. They wanted to choose, and well, I pick my battles. :-). Plus, the first argument I remember having with my mom (just before my third birthday) was over clothes. But I've really started to love the outfits they picked and their senses of style develop. My eldest is very classic and feminine, the second a little more funky -- sort of Betsey Johnson-ish. The third is only four... So it's anyone's guess still.
ReplyDeleteIt's just fun, and I firmly believe that clothes are means to be fun. :-)
She does have style! Very cute! I think kids can get away with clothes that aren't matching etc because they're so cute. I stopped picking out their clothes probably around at 2.5 when they got really determined about what they wanted to wear. And their hilarious or adorable outfits made it worth any minor embarrassment out in public - because they always got the most compliments from strangers when they'd dressed themselves.
ReplyDeleteCan you say which article you were reading? I'd like to read it too!
How cute! I love her outfits!!! Like most mothers, my Mom pretty much let me pick out all my clothes when i was little, except on Sunday. :) I wonder how I would dress now if she had dressed me all my life...
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that she gave me choices, even if some of my outfits were/are wild.
She did a great job dressing herself. Very cute!
ReplyDeletewww.jenndubs.etsy.com
Aww Paige is such a cutie! Those poses are killing me, she is so photogenic! :)
ReplyDeletei let my almost-three-year-old dress himself. for one, it's adorable (plaid shirt + plaid shorts!), two, i think it's good to give him control over anything in his little world that i can- i want him to learn early to make decisions.
ReplyDeletePaige gota lot of style! Love the outfits she picked!
ReplyDeleteHere's it's a combination of the 2, they pick almost everything they want, but on special occasion I get to choose! My oldest is a girly girl and LOVES dresses, and she likes not to be as other girls... We'll see what she'll look like as a teen lol (she 91/2)
My son puts on whatever is first on the pile of pants with whatever the firts on t-shirts pile ( he's 8) he really doesn't care for his apperance, just wants to be confortable.
My youngest (4 1/2) wants to decide by herself and she comes up with sometimes really weird combinations, but to her defense she's colorblind ;)
Dear Disney,
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids where that age I let them dress themselves. I did have a few rules. If we were going out to dinner or some place nice they had to put on nicer clothes that were not dirty. No logo or picture tee shirts when taking a picture or going to church. Girls- dresses and dress shoes and son- dress clothes and dress shoes for church. We had one final rule both socks had to match when going to church on Sundays. I had one child who liked to wear mismatched sock all the time. Now at 20 she prefers matching ones. Oh yes and weather appropriate. Seems to have worked for us. I know that all of them know how to dress appropriately even if they choose not to.:) Since all but one is in their early 20's I don't worry about it anymore.
Kim B. in Az
Aria isn't really into clothes but I do try to let her pick out her own clothing. She is definitely at the age (4) where I think she deserves (I think she honestly NEEDS) to have some control over her life and this is one where it is honestly really easy to give that to her. I love Paige's style, especially Tuesday's outfit! ~Robin
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading all the comments!
ReplyDeleteI pick out my kids' clothes until they start saying, "not that!" Usually at 2 1/2-3 years. So I don't die of "that doesn't match-ness, I usually buy solid colored tees so they match whatever skirt/pants/shorts they pick out.
My oldest went through a layered stage at age 5 and then refused to wear any pink at age 6, my second would only wear skirts for over 2 years and my third is loving pink right now. Number 4, who is almost 3 recently started vetoing my clothing choices for her, so now I just send her to get dressed with a sister and she chooses her own clothes.
I don't think there is a right or wrong way - my kids just care what they wear and as long as it is fairly weather/occasion appropriate and clean I don't fight them on it.
I have noticed recently that the kids of friends who picked out their kids clothes do tend to look better dressed than mine (plus their hair is always neat and in a bow!) but I am not going to let my pride make me fight with my children and worry over what they look like too much. They are already appalled that they have to brush their hair and teeth before leaving the house. :)
I like to give my kids as many choices as possible, in hopes that they'll learn how to make choices and that will wear off on other choices they'll have to make later. (ever heard of Love and Logic?) Clothing is something that I can allow a lot of freedom on, which makes me feel better when I have to say no about something else. (Staying up late or eating candy instead of dinner.) I like saying yes. :)
ReplyDeleteMy boys are 9 and 7 and I'm sure they would be perfectly content if I picked their clothes for them (though 99% of the time I don't. It boils down to when the laundry was last done). My girls are 5 and 2 and they, for the most part, pick out their own clothes. The girls have an OPINION about what they wear. Often my 5 year old wants to wear her prettiest poofiest dress... and I veto it because although she loves a nice dress... she also loves to play in the dirt. So with the exception of a few pieces in her closet, she can wear whatever. My 2 year old can't reach what is in her closet so I help her. We go through a lot of "do you want to wear this? How about this? OOh this one is pretty!" Until she finally makes up her mind. Her favorite outfit though is a pair of jeans and one of her t-shirts that says "I love my Daddy" :)
ReplyDeleteI gave up the battle over clothing a long time ago... just wasn't worth it. Plus, I like seeing my girls express themselves with their clothing. Our only rules are that it has to cover everything and it has to be season appropriate! (I won't mention the time my hubby let one of them wear velvet in August. In Texas.)
ReplyDeleteMy four year old son could care less about clothes. He is like his daddy that way. If he showed an interest at all, I'd let him pick his own clothes. He just broke his foot and I did let him pick the cast color...hot pink!
ReplyDeleteMy son has been dressing himself since he was 2. He's now 3 and loves matching his clothes. He seriously has more style than his father. :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is 21 months and loves to dress herself. She, on the other hand, does not have all that much style, so I try to tame her down a little occasionally before we leave the house. She does sometimes get to go out in whatever she has on, such as two skirts. :P
My little girl started to dress herself around 3 or so... often not very well, or weather inappropriate, etc. so I took over again for a while. Even if I tried to keep just the things she could wear within reach, she'd find the other items and pull them out to wear. Now she is five and does okay, though she dresses like a gypsy at times! Once in a while I have to tell her to go and change. She has her definite likes/dislikes but I think for the most part we are on the same page now. I just think what will this be like when she is 15-- will I have to send her back to her room to change? And will she? So I like to keep some little bit of authority in the clothing dept.!
ReplyDeleteI am like you...I love to pick my girls' outfits but I had periods with my then 3 year old where she wanted to decide and of course she was allowed that...even though my eyes hurt from time to time. Now they are 2.5 and 4.5 and at the moment they are letting me choose most days. I know what they like to wear -skirts and dresses in lots of color (like many other girls) and since I love that too it's not a problem for me to choose that for them. And a funny side story....my Mom told me (when I was complaining that my oldest was fighting me in what to wear) that she choose my clothes till I was 14 years old :-) I did not remember that but I did remember always feeling fashionable and happy about what I was wearing so I guess we can conclude you are not necessary harming your child just because you are dressing them....as long as they are happy about it! And your daughter did really great and she looks like she really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI'm kid-free, but I loved picking out my own clothes when I was a kid, and I imagine I'll let my own offspring indulge in the same fun. If they're not into it, though, I'll be sure to help out.
ReplyDeleteOh! PS your kiddo is absolutely adorable and I loved the outfits she picked out!
ReplyDeleteCute! She has much better style than I did when I was her age (and much cuter clothes, too, I must say). :)
ReplyDeleteShe's done a great job and has great taste :)
ReplyDeleteI have to ask. Is that black pair of knee highs the same pair you made from her 6-12 month tights? Or is it another pair that you made because you loved the first pair so much?
when my kids turn 2 y.o. I retire from my job of dressing them. I try to help them, but all i hear is "I do it myself!" So yeah, they dress themselves pretty much and after a few months do a pretty good job. A few times, I have wanted to change their outfit but they do not take that well. So, I just let them go with their creativity!! Fun times with creative kids!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh... Paige is so cute and I can't believe that she's already got such a strong sense for fashion.. When I was her age, I wouldn't have dreamed about wearing a belt or any fashion accessories...
ReplyDeleteAll I was thinking about at that time where swinging maxi skirts, although they where so out at that time ;)
Lari
Cent4urThoughts.blogspot.com
Paige will love this post best when shes big!My neice is four and she loves to dress herself up with colorful clips bows all the time:D
ReplyDeleteAs soon as my kids are old enough to follow the direction "go get a shirt and pants" I let them wear what they want. I have full veto power though. With my 4-year-old we have to really work hard to get her to pick seasonally appropriate things, and she has an aversion to shorts I don't understand, but if I pick out her clothes she is likely to refuse to wear them, so I let her pick.
ReplyDeleteid let my son (7) dress himself but honestly it scares me!!! lol there is NO telling what he would come up with! i try to teach him things like- cant wear a stripe shirt with stripe/plaid pants, we shouldnt wear red basketball shorts with a red t shirt! lol boys are fun, but their clothes arent as versitle as girls!! but i do encourage him to pick his own things with just a little influence!
ReplyDeleteThis was so fun to read, and all the comments, too! One person mentioned that among their few rules was that underwear is required. I had to laugh. I work in an ER, and one time a little boy ended up there with an injury. Mom was mortified when, upon getting him into hospital garb, he had no undies on! It goes to show that you really have to cover every detail when laying down rules. And with some kids, verify that they are followed! When my own girls were young, I was concerned about them getting teased at school about their "weird" clothes, so sometimes I would make suggestions for change. Otherwise, they did the choosing. Raising kids can sure be fun!
ReplyDeletewow, I love her outfit choices!!! too cute. i hope someday i can let my little girl pick her clothes out by herself. but i'm sure going to soak up every second of ME dressing her for as long as i can! :)
ReplyDeleteI let my 3.5 year old daughter mostly dress herself. There are certain parameters, but for the most part she gets to pick. Sometimes I'll let her select from a few options. It's great! I love when she wears a mismatched outfit with rain boots to the park ... or a dress AND a frilly skirt underneath (so it's poofier!). And for most occasions, it really doesn't matter, especially for play.
ReplyDeletePaige is a doll. I have loved watching her grow up. Such a beauty! My daughter, Louisa, has several of Paige's clothes (via your tutorials). Thanks!!!
if my four yr old dressed herself the way paige does i'd be much happier about letting her dress herself! i let her do it mostly by herself but if something is just too crazy or inappropriate for the occasion i will make her change into something else.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't pick out clothes for my five year old boy, he would never have clothes on. It varies so much kid to kid. We have to trust each mom on this.
ReplyDeleteI love Thursday's outfit! She looks just like mommy :o) My daughter is not quite 2 years old, so I still get to pick out her outfits. I usually lay them all out for the week- and I love doing it!
ReplyDeleteMy nearly-5-year-old dresses herself most of the time, and she doesn't coordinate quite as well as Paige does! I occasionally express an opinion (and she does take it into consideration), and I very, very, occasionally tell her what to wear; usually on first-impression or photograph days (not snapshots, though - those are all her). It helps that she is the youngest of 3 girls. I've definitely given her more freedom than her sisters had. And I still get to do the shopping. :)
ReplyDeleteI recently decided to let Vince choose his clothes too. He's 3, and doesn't really care what he wears as long as he is wearing one of his many hats. Well this is what he came up with...
ReplyDeletehttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7373402360_0c102206a4.jpg
Two t-shirts {one a band tee}, denim shorts with pj leggings underneath. He didn't look terrible ahha, just homeless.
Wouldn't have guessed it's her own outfits. I looove Monday! My kids are older but I think at that age I was still picking their outfits. My daughter had a weird stage in 5th grade when she was picking the quirkiest outfits, long colorful socks over tights, camis over tanks over tshirts, mixing prints, colors, etc. I think some moms thought I was nuts for allowing it. I secretly loved it though ;)
ReplyDeleteI've always let my boys dress themselves and love watching them develop their own style. My only rule is for church and weddings they have to wear a collared shirt. We used to get a lot of hand me downs from my stylish sister in law who had boys the same distance apart as mine who always dressed her boys to match. Now my boys tend to gravitate toward matching clothes even though they are 11 and 9! I just keep quiet but inside I'm thrilled!
ReplyDeleteEeek! My daughter is 5 and I do pick out her clothes most of the time. Oddly enough we have been letter her "help" lately. Very interesting, looks like most people favor letting the kids dress themselves.
ReplyDeleteI have 5 kids and the oldest is 9, so for the sake of sanity, the four oldest dress themselves. If we go anywhere, I try to make sure they look decent enough before we get out the door. Sometimes one slips through, and it always seems to be for church or a holiday! It helps that I stay at home and we homeschool. Found your blog a week ago, and my daughters (ages 9,7, and 22 months) and I love it. We love seeing the cute ideas you have and we especially get a kick out of Paige. My youngest sits on a chair next to me and says "So cute!" every time she sees Paige. You have inspired me to make our own modest clothes out of what we have available to us. I have made my two oldest daughters each a dress and my babe a cute little skirt. Thank you so much. God is using you in such a unique way. You are such a blessing!! Thank you and may God bless you and keep you!!!
ReplyDeleteWow - I'm totally impressed! She even accessorized appropriately!! She must have a good example to follow or something... :)
ReplyDeleteMy four yr old son will put absolutely anything with anything. It's an abomination most of the time. I think I need to let go.
My 2 year old daughter is better than her brother! :)
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love Monday and Wednesday, she is so cut.
ReplyDeleteI tried to post a comment twice, but both times it didn't work, so I had to delete them. I got it though
Can't believe that adorable little girl picked out all those outfits herself!!! She has more style than I do! :o)
ReplyDeleteTonight after Church my parents said, "Did she wear those?" As in her mismatched flipflops.
ReplyDeleteI said, "Are they on her feet? Where else would she be hiding flipflops?"
They were hoping somewhere in the car was a matching mismatched pair for her to have worn the right ones together.
I think funky is cute. After all it is most acceptable when you are 6 and under so why not utilize it.
Paige looks great!
ReplyDeleteI usually let my 2 year old choose between 2 shirts and 2 pants I pick out so she can practise decision making and independence. Of course, as a toddler, she loves to change/dress up throughout the day anyway.
She is such a doll, and her outfits are great! My mom used to let me dress myself, and I had some pretty embarrassing wardrobe moments. I hope, after looking back at my mistakes, I still have the courage to let my daughter dress herself!
ReplyDeleteSoooo cute!! She has great taste. I guess it's easy when all the clothes are equally adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteCould you do a blog post of appropriate shabby chic fashion? Since you and obviously your daughter are good at it. Can you do tutorials on how to make clothes like these?
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about writing a post like this on my blog, and you put the fire under me! So to answer your question... http://myrainasunshine.blogspot.com/2012/06/girls-got-style.html
ReplyDeleteI linked back to this post, too! :)
I don't have the kids yet but I remember myself as a child. OMG my mom till this day (I'm 21 now) when I get home tells me that I should change that blouse/pants instead of "Hello my dear, I missed you!" Or sth like that:)
ReplyDeleteAnd it happened occasionally when I was in high school that she would randomly ask:"Why you never wear this blouse or that one?" Usually these were the ones that don't go well with my skin tone or my bodyshape and after some time I was giving them to my sister who looks much better in them. I swear she looks well, I'd not make my sister look ugly even though she's tough to talk to at times. You know those high school kids that go through "depression" every time someone does not agree with them and threat to move out right after they turn 18? And end up staying with their parents when they realize that they aren't undiscovered rough diamonds that suddenly make so much money right after they graduate from high school? Yep, so much fun I'm telling you:D
So yeah, I was not allowed to pick up the clothes by myself when I was a kid and wore some plain pants, hooded sweaters, and some ugly sturdy looking sneakers. But there were happy moments when I got a really cute dress from my relatives or skirt and I could wear it to school:) I loved it. And right now I have so many flats, moccasins, sandals, boat shoes, and my sneakers don't look like bricks.
And one last thing to all the parents: "Don't make your two daughters wear exactly the same clothes all the time!" It does not look cute, it looks stupid. Like, why the heck didn't you make an effort to at least pick up a different color of a jacket for the other kid? And also, we have enough choice in the stores to even pick something different to both of the girls, don't we? It was so embarrassing that our neighbors and my parents' friends wouldn't even get our names right because we were always wearing the same sweaters at the same damn time or pants/t-shirts. Especially because I was always the skinnier, shorter, an younger looking one even though I'm older. So what my stealthy little sister did? Over the years she developed that thought, if everyone thinks she's the older one, than she has a right to FEEL like a one. Hence she deserves more respect and reserves a right to be considered the more mature one LOL So right now she behaves and looks like a strict 25 year-old woman and I'm a bit goofy, bubbly, not wearing eyeliner every day all the time (like her and her friends), type of girl. And, yes, I do behave appropriate for my age. I know even little bit older girls who would laugh out loud and would giggle for good few minutes in public and do or say some other random things or crack silly jokes.
See what kind of influence the clothes have on your life?
PS Although the stories described are true but still this post was not meant to be taken too seriously:)
I dress my 3 1/2 year old every day. Well, I set out his clothes and then he puts them on. He has a few shirts that he loves, but I really really don't love. I keep them because I know he loves them and I let him wear them at home or at Grandpa and Grandma's, but not to daycare or friend's houses. I realize that's a little shallow of me.
ReplyDeleteMy sister puts together outfits for her kids and places full outfits in their closet cubbies for them so the kids can choose their outfit for the day, but it's guaranteed to look good and "go together". That is a happy compromise! Her older son is practicing putting his outfits together now, so when they fold laundry he puts things together and asks if it's an okay match. She makes suggestions if needed, showing him how to pick a pants color to match a color that might be subtle in a shirt, etc.
Love those loafers. love.
ReplyDeleteyour daughter is way cooler than I am... :)
ReplyDeletewow I must be a control freak. My 9yr old and I had a disagreement about what she would wear to church tomorrow. I let my kids pick their clothes mon-sat but often tell them to change if it really doesn't match or I don't like it. Most Sundays I pick for them. Iguess I needed this post so I can lighten up a little. :) thanks
ReplyDeleteYour daughter has a great taste in cloth !
ReplyDeleteMost mornings my older kids, a girl aged 6 and a boy aged 4 choose their clothes themself. Most of the time it turns o.k, sometimes I say things like "You are all red today maybe you would like to change pants?" But if they don't I let them go as they choose. I love it when they do combinations that I would never do but it turns out lovely!
She is so cute! My 7 year old is a little fashionista, and at times walks out of her room and looks like a total train wreck! She always says "this is what I wanted to look like in my mind"
ReplyDeleteMy solution: I take a picture if her in her outfit so she can feel special, and then make the outfit more "presentable". She hasn't fought me on it yet, and I totally let her dress herself on the weekend!
Hello, I have two daughters (5 and 2). And I gave up dressing my eldest when she was about 3 and the younger one is following in her foot steps. Its just too much of a fight, that really isn't necessary.
ReplyDeleteNicole
Well the first daughter definately paved the way for the second! My 7 year old loves my help with her clothes and often asks my opinio :). It makes my heart swell! Now my 4 year old is a total goof ball! She loves to wear shorts over pants and fancy dresses with jean shorts underneath! (we have a rule that shorts or leggings must be worn under dresses until we know how to be a lady:)). At least she is finally wearing matching shoes. Her favorite combo was one snow boot and one cowgirl boot, on the wrong feet no less:)
ReplyDeletePaige is gorgeous and you have taught her very well!!!
She's so cute. It's funny when we are little we want to dress ourselves, but now that I'm old I kind wish I had someone to tell me what to wear.
ReplyDeleteMaybe she can be a stylist when she grows up.
My mom dressed me until I was 18.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are priceless.
You and Paige sure have fun.
I dressed my daughter until she was around 4, I think. Then I let her pick out her own clothes, as long as they were weather appropriate and modest! Now she's seven (going on 17) and continues to dress herself and is pretty good about her selections. Only occasionally have I had to make her change because she tries to squeeze into clothes that are too small that I had forgotten to remove from her dresser or closet! I won't even begin to describe what she looked like. ;)
ReplyDeleteI rather like her choices now and I like that she picks what she wants and owns it! My husband doesn't care what she wears as long as it fits her properly.
My son has been dressing himself since he figured out how to put a shirt on by himself. He has no fashion sense whatsoever and I don't mind a bit. Two different socks on? No worries. Shorts and a t-shirt that completely clash? No biggie. He's happy, I'm happy. Though I have had to change him a few times, like when he tries wearing shorts when it's 50 deg. outside or pants when it's 85 deg. But other than that, I let him wear what he wants. And again, the hubs doesn't mind as long as the clothes fit properly! Ha! We're pretty easy-going around here!
Oh and may I say Paige has terrific taste! She's too cute!
ReplyDeleteShe looks adorable :)
ReplyDeletewww.vindiebaby.com
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