Here's What You Said About Kids, Parents, and Clothing Choices!
Results of the Poll
It's clear that parents and kids don't always see eye-to-eye about clothing choices. Seven-eight percent of you told us that you and your kids sometimes disagree about what your kids will wear. And 59% of you said that your kids make clothing suggestions for you. Parents of sons and daughters responded to the poll in equal numbers, and most of your kids are under age 15.
Check out question 7 to find out how kids want their parents to dress!
- Who picks your kids' clothes when you shop?
70% Both parent and child 22% Child 23% Parent
- Do you and your kids ever disagree about what clothes to select?
78% Yes 22% No
Some of Your Comments
Every so often, my 4-year-old daughter vetoes an outfit. If I insist on buying it, it's wasted money, since she won't wear it.
My son is 13, so that should say enough. I let him choose what to wear as long as he looks normal.
- If you and your kids disagree, is it because you feel your kids' choices are . . . ?(Check all that apply.)
51% Too expensive 50% Impractical 35% Not appropriate for that child's age 29% "Sending the wrong message"
Some of Your Comments
- I don't like athletic shoes with flashing lights . . .
- Sizing . . . one child tries to fit into clothes that are too small.
- How do kids not fully grasp the concept of weather?!
- He only likes to wear athletic-type clothing. I would like him to wear a pair of jeans or khakis once in a while (at least to a dressier event)!
- His choices don't follow school policy.
- They pick clothes that are not attractive, not matching, are stained, have holes, or are generally sloppy.
- My older son would like to wear his play clothes to school or church.
- I feel pretty strongly against subconsciously teaching my daughter she has to look like Barbie or the Bratz dolls. You can be stylish and look your age, be comfortable, and have your own style.
- What most influences your child's choice of clothes?
62% Individual taste 10% Media 10% Peers 10% What's available 8% Fashion
- Who decides what your child will wear each day?
55% Both parent and child 24% Child 15% Parent 7% Uniform
Some of Your Comments
- I occasionally insist on different clothes when it's a special occasion.
- Having to wear a uniform would make their school perfect.
- If he picks something that is too small, worn out, or not school-appropriate, we'll make him change.
- I let her pick, with a little direction. She still doesn't consider the weather and stuff like that.
- How do you typically resolve your clothing disagreements?
Some of Your Comments
- We try to compromise as much as possible. For example, they pick the skirt, and I'll pick the blouse.
- Try to reason—discuss pros and cons.
- They are little boys, and we want them to make their own decisions. They know the difference between play clothes, costumes, and church clothes. They make their decisions, and we praise them for doing so!
- Lots of yelling and resentments.
- I just buy what I want, since I'm paying. For my 2-year-old, I give her two outfits to choose from, and she can pick the one she prefers. My 3-year-old goes to her closet and selects a shirt she likes, and I help her select pants/shorts to match.
- Dress-up clothes (princess dresses with fairy wings, etc.) don't go to daycare. Anything else is OK.
- Typically, my kids like to wear long sleeves and pants, but we live in the middle of the desert, so I let them wear what they want until they complain that they are hot, and then I change them into something more appropriate.
- We set out clothes the night before, when we have time to adjust choices according to the weather (no shorts in January in New England).
- We have a sweater hanger in their closet that has six cubbies. On the weekend, they help me get six outfits ready for the week—one for each cubby. They get a say in what they want to wear, and I make sure it's decent (for school and the weather). It solves a lot of early-morning disagreements.
- I just give her certain guidelines, like "Sneakers today because you have gym."
- Do your kids ever make clothing suggestions for you?
59% Yes 41% No
What do they say?
- My 7-year-old thinks I need some sparkly things . . .
- They pick out the outfit and accessories.
- "Mommy, I really like that dress. You should wear these shoes; they go better . . ."
- "You're wearing THAT in public?"
- "Look, that's your favorite color."
- "Let's go shopping together. It's boring that you always wear black."
- "I thought you were going out!"
- "Wearing a suit with sneakers looks silly, Mom."
- "Will you wear the same color as me?"
- "You should wear more skirts and dresses."
- "You should be on the 'What Not to Wear' TV show."
- They like me to stick with what they consider my "look."
- "Make sure it is comfortable."
- They tell me I should wear stuff from "Hannah Montana" or "The Wizards of Waverly Place"!
- My 7-year-old is the fashion guru. She would LOVE to dress us all with MATCHING accessories.
- They say I'm not dressed age appropriately. They would prefer me in conservative clothes.
- Our whole family can match now!
- "You look nice, Mom!"