Many parents of young children are apprehensive about allowing their little ones to make their own fashion decisions. They may fear this will result in them picking out outfits that are inappropriate or completely tasteless. However, such parental anxieties can cause children to feel less confident about making decisions in the future, not only about fashion but also about their lives in general.
That being the case, some specialists – including those at the 'American Academy of Pediatrics' – recommend that parents encourage their children to dress independently from the age of four upwards. They believe that kids enjoy picking out what to wear and benefit from exploring their own sense of style. These fashion tots may still need help with zips and buttons etc but allowing them to express their individuality, even in small steps, helps with their identity development.
Encouraging creativity in this way does not mean that children need a huge wardrobe of mini fashion labels. They only require a few essential items that they can mix and match until they grow out of them. Even parents who are keen to keep up with all the latest fashion trends should let their tots have a say in what they choose to wear.
It's quite natural to believe you know what is best for your young children in terms of clothing but, if you are expecting them to follow in your footsteps and become burgeoning fashionistas, you should offer them at least two outfit suggestions with acceptable results wherever possible, allowing them to express themselves as they see fit.
To help them along the path of independence, choose sets of clothing that are easy to wear, such as light cotton, and fabrics that are easy to care for. Introduce them to new and exciting options and give them the freedom to select and pick out the garments that they like best.
Mini fashion followers can learn how to:
The majority of power battles over clothing are caused by young children attempting to assert their independence, but it really doesn't matter what your child decides to wear as long as the end result isn’t entirely impractical.
Naturally, there will be times when 'mum' (or dad) has to decide what is best but don’t let that stop you from taking your budding trendsetters for a fun day of shopping and allowing your child the freedom of self-expression through the clothes they choose for themselves.
Discover the latest international fashion children’s clothes, shoes and accessories online at Burberry Children, Bonpoint, Dior Baby, Gucci Children, Moncler Enfant, Fendi Kids, Repetto Paris, jnby by JNBY.
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