“I Dressed Myself” … (aka Coping with Your Child’s Independence)
I’m not sure where I got this idea from originally. I know it was before I even had kids … maybe from a play therapy conference, supervision, book, or parenting magazine. But I KNEW that it would someday come in handy. I knew I would be “that mom” that enjoyed dressing up her children in matching outfits … and, yes, coordinating myself and the children, too. (you just never know when a photo op will come!) And, yes, I am “that mom”, … not EVERY day, ALL the time … but I do really like finding great clothes for the kids and dressing them nicely.
BUT … I also KNOW that fostering independence in young children is essential.
I now have a budding fashionista that REALLY likes to dress herself. So, to get around this little conundrum of not letting by borderline OCD take over, I had Honor make a “I Dressed Myself” pin.
Now, not only can I advertise that I was not her fashion consultant for the day, but SHE can proudly display her creativity and independence! A true WIN-WIN!!!
Laura Hutchison
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Fabulous idea! I, too, am a mom to a very strong minded young lady who insists on dressing herself. Luckily for me, I have very little fashion sense myself and so it doesn’t bug me when she’s wearing some crazy outfit. Most of the time I am just thankful she has clothes on and I didn’t have to fight her on it. Her hair, on the other hand, is often a mess. Any suggestions for that? A significantly that says, No, a rat does not live in my hair. ?? Great post! Thanks! Perhaps I will need this pin as she enters elementary or middle school.
That is hilarious! What a clever idea, I should make them for my daughter. She, too, insists on dressing herself in her own choice of outfits and has very strong opinions on what those outfits should look like (ONLY pink, the more sparkles and ruffles the better, and it had better be twirly!). I wish I could share a picture here to show you just how hilarious her get-ups are!
My son has an entire wardrobe of dinosaur t-shirts because that is all he will wear. I have a friend who takes her daughter to football practise in a tutu and pink converse sneakers because she will never wear anything else!
Charlotte … Honor is frequently dressed in full princess garb and Henry either wears a Mario or Angry Bird shirt (but doesn’t seem to mind as much when I pick out his clothes!). Thanks for commenting!
Jane/Mama Pea Pod … SEND THE PICS … or post it on my FB page! I’d love to see them!!! (pink and sparkles are ALWAYS a must!)
Hmmm … I”ll have to think about that one, Jane. Maybe we could craft-up a fancy barrette with the message for her!!!
So cute. I love when my son picks his clothes. Heck, I will let him wear his helmet or costume to the store. The other day he chose dino pj bottoms with a yellow tshirt and gloves. Too cute.
I LOVE this!!!! I too have thoroughly enjoyed dressing my daughter. Her little clothes are so cute and fun, but this last month it’s been coming to a quite insistent end. My daughter is 21 months and a few weeks ago it started with her wanting to pick her pants, so I was able to work around that by picking the rest of the outfit. Now it’s moved onto pants and shoes, which presents a new challenge. I know I should just let it go, but I’m seriously having a hard time. This pin came at just the right time. You should sell these! Oh, and I’m not sure I like the part of having to let her color it herself too! 🙂
This is an adorable idea!!! LOVE win-wins that work for the parent and the child like this!
This is a wonderful idea, and a great self-esteem builder. I love watching my child’s personality shine through their wardrobe choices. Often times the shoes are on the wrong feet, but as long as the shoes make it on the feet I consider that a success. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this cute idea at the Kid’s Co-op!
Thanks for posting this great idea! I may have to do this as I am often out in public hoping that people ‘just know’ that Miss 2 dressed herself 🙂 I bet she’d be proud to show off her skills too!
i love this idea! thanks so much for sharing with me! we just might make some of these!
Absolutely great post!!!
I’ve pinned it immediately, hope ok for you!
I’m glad you did, Angelique! Thanks!