Dressing up children is surely one of the most coveted activities in the life of parents. From visiting various stores to picking up the best fits, pairing them with lovely accessories and ending it all with memorable clicks, the entire process is bliss. Even though, as parents, you take the onus of the entire process, it’s really important to involve your kids in choosing their outfits.
Involving your child in choosing their outfits is not only a fun experience but it also helps the children in building up their personalities. It helps children boost their confidence and teaches them about autonomy, style, and decision-making. Shocking but true, this little activity can help your child in various ways.
Let’s delve into how you can make the process enjoyable and productive for both you and your child.
Start with Simple Choices
You don’t need to overwhelm your kids at once. Start simple with them, especially if they are younger kids. Pick two outfits and ask your kids to choose between them; this is where the journey begins.
Ask your kids simple questions: “Do you want to wear this red t-shirt or the blue one?” Or “Do you want to pair your t-shirt with a pair of shorts or with a skirt?”
This slow and steady approach warms them up to the idea of making choices and decisions. It helps them slowly gain confidence and with time, the ability to make more informed and grave choices. Remember parents, it all starts small.
Teach Them About Various Clothing
As you empower your kids to make choices, it is also a good opportunity to teach your kids about the various kinds of clothing suitable for various occasions. As it rains outside, you can ask your kids to make a choice and at the same time educate them about clothing more suitable for rain. If you are going for a pooja, you can ask your kids to choose between two kurtas and tell them how it’s a good idea to wear a kurta for traditional ceremonies. Such conversations allow kids to be mindful of practical considerations. However, you should also be respectful of their choices, and if they don’t feel comfortable with your choice, you should respect their decision.
Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression
As you present your kids with an opportunity to choose their outfits, encourage them to be creative and let them express themselves. Allow them to mix and match colours, patterns, and accessories. This gives them the freedom to explore their personality and develop their sense of style. If your child’s choices are a bit unconventional for you, you should still praise their creative flair and maybe you can help them strike a balance. For instance, if your child chooses very bold prints for the top and bottom, help them balance it out for a more defined style.
Set Boundaries and Guidelines
When you involve your kids in choosing their outfits, you must give them the freedom to pick. However, setting some boundaries can help prevent frustration. For instance, you might establish guidelines for school clothes versus weekend clothes. Take this opportunity to explain why some clothes are better suited for playtime while others are more appropriate for school. You could create a “play clothes” section and a “school clothes” section in their wardrobe to make it easier for them to choose the right outfit for the occasion. This not only allows children to be more mindful but it also teaches them the fundamental principle of respecting boundaries, making adjustments, and following rules in life.
Make It a Collaborative Process
You just don’t have to make your child pick the outfit from the cupboard. Make them a part of the entire process, from shopping for new clothes to organising their wardrobe. Take them shopping and let them pick out items they like. When organising their closet, ask for their input on how to arrange clothes. Ask them if they would like it by colour, type, or favourite outfit. This makes them feel more responsible for their clothing choices and more engaged in the daily routine of getting dressed. Overall, in life, such processes will make them more confident, organised, and independent.
Celebrate Their Choices
When your child makes a choice, celebrate it! Positive reinforcement encourages them to continue making decisions and builds their confidence. Even if you don’t love the outfit, focus on the fact that they made a choice and express your pride in their decision-making.