Friday, February 6, 2009

Age Appropriate Dressing for Your Young Girls: Tips for Parents

By Katie Wilber

What's more delightful than shopping for a little girl? Their clothing options are fun, frilly, colorful and feminine. However something happens as they start to grow. Much of the clothing changes from feminine and lovely to borderline inappropriate.

Whether mainstream fashion or the media are to blame the end result is the same - potentially inappropriate attire on little girls. We're talking about crop tops, short skirts and suggestive or sassy images. Are there ways to help your daughter look fashionable and still look like a little girl.

You betcha!

Tips To Find Age Appropriate, And Fashionable, Clothing For Little Girls

Embrace child friendly designers and stores. When shopping with your daughter, steer clear of the mainstream stores which tend to sell the big girl clothing. Smaller boutiques and stores which specialize in clothing specifically for little girls will have beautiful clothing for your daughter to choose from.

Give her options and let her choose. Children as young as two or three can choose their own clothing. It gives them power, cultivates their own sense of fashion and creativity, and helps create a bond between you " rather than a battle. Choose a couple of outfits you think shed like and give her the option to choose from those. This way youre still in control however she feels like she has a say in what she wears.

Help her find her style. Some little girls love to wear colorful frilly dresses while others prefer jeans and a t-shirt. Ask your young daughter what she likes to wear and why. Take her to a child friendly online store and ask her to show you the clothing she likes. Engaging in a discussion will help her and you learn her style personality.

Accessorize. Its the little things that sometimes make us feel the best about our appearance. A headband, a fun pair of tights, a fun bangle or necklace can really help a child feel good about how they look. And if your daughter is a hat wearer then they can really have fun with an outfit.

Set a good example. It may sound obvious however children, especially young ones, tend to take their fashion cues from their parents. Now that doesnt mean you have to wear polka dot tights and a frilly pink dress (unless you want to) however when you dress age appropriately and take pride in your appearance your daughter, believe it or not, will learn from you.

Relax. Find a few stores which sell items your daughter likes and you approve of. Stock her wardrobe with items you're comfortable with and then let her have the freedom she desires. Letting go of control over what your daughter wears will help her cultivate her own sense of style and confidence. The key of course is to make sure you approve of the items in her closet. In the long run you'll both be happier and better dressed!

Bright colors, fun fabrics and patterns and a little freedom to choose what she likes will help your daughter to look fun and fashionable while still looking like the little girl she is. Find a few child friendly stores and give your daughter a bit of choice, youll both be glad you did. - 16651

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