Preteen Fashion Struggles
Making Sure Your Daughter is Dressed Appropriately
She wants to wear short, hip-hugging skirts and tank tops. You want her to wear skirts down to her knees and crew tops. Is there a compromise to make you both happy?
There is much to be concerned about when it comes to the way your preteen daughter wants to dress. At this age it is very common for girls to want to be like their celebrity icon peers. Kids get much of their taste in clothing depending on what the stars are wearing. They look to figures such as Britney Spears, the Olsen twins, and Lindsay Lohan for ideas of what are the latest fashions. Stores waste no time in offering those styles that are considered "in" to attract young preteen buyers as well.
You want your daughter to have a say in what she wants to wear. It is a sign of independence and maturity when she can decide things for herself. But, what if her choices do not pass your standards? You need some kind of compromise. Here are some tips when shopping for clothes with your preteen.
Ways to Compromise on Style
If your daughter really wants to wear tank tops, tell her you would approve of them if they said, "Angel," instead of "Hottie." Jeans are always in fashion to some degree. Let her choose the embellished styles, but tell her to go with waist-fitting rather than hip-hugging styles. Likewise, let her have some say in the style she wants her hair to be, liking adding highlights, but she has to wear neutral color makeup. There is always some room for compromise.
What Her Style is Saying
Explain to your daughter that her clothes and body language tell a lot about what kind of person she is even before she speaks. Does she want people to think of her as a tramp or does she want to be thought of as someone with self-respect? Making wise clothing choices gives people a first impression that is lasting. Also explain to her that boys will be making more advances on her, if her clothing suggests that she wants them to. She may be handing herself over to situations that she is not mentally prepared for.
School Policy
Almost all schools have policies in place when it comes to what clothing is acceptable to wear to school. You can more than likely find your daughter's school policies online by searching for the school's name. Show this to her, so she can see for herself what is acceptable and what is not. Schools are constantly sending kids home to change their clothes before returning.
Just Say No
If all else fails, just tell your daughter no when you cannot agree on a particular piece of clothing. You, after all, are the parent and are responsible for how you raise your preteen and what values you teach her. Don't feel guilty about saying no. If you have tried attempts at compromise, you did all you can do. She'll love you for it one day!
