Should Your Children's Clothing, Style and Appearance be Compromised?

As you may have already noticed, there is a hugeTrendy?
surge in “mini me” clothing poppingWhen you think of the look you want your child
up all over. What exactly is this “minito convey, do you think classy or trendy? I came
me”? This “mini me” coutureup with the following conclusions:
effect is basically a term used for parents1) Trendy clothes are super adorable on children
wanting their children to look and dress like theyas long as they are tasteful.
do. With the vast amount of information on the2) Classic styles and brands of clothes are nice to
Internet and the constant celebrity exposure, ourhave for those formal times such as weddings,
children are growing up with a lot more optionsportraits, graduations, etc…
than we ever had. Designers are churning out pint3) Trendy clothes in classic colors make for a
size renditions of clothes that are on runwaysgreat clean, modern look.
every season. However, not every parent isWhatever style or look you choose for your child,
jumping on this band wagon. In our family outings,let it be a tasteful expression of who your child is!
I still see children dressed in p.j.’s or t-shirtsFinally, How to Praise Your Child?
that are witty yet sloppy.The following are 7 definitive ways on how to
Does how you dress your child reflect on yourpraise your child:
personality and lifestyle?1. Look your child in the eye.
I always look to the parents to see how they are2. Move close to your child and down to their eye
dressed. It’s usually the same. Most of thelevel.
style stems from the parents. Children in more3. Smile. Smile is a curve that keeps everything
ways than one are a direct reflection of theirstraight.
mommy and daddy.4. Praise a specific behavior. “You did such a
With this being said, I don’t think thegreat job cleaning up your bedroom.”
“mini me” idea is so bad. We all5. Speak with feeling and sincerity. Do not hurt
know families that always look put together. Whyyour child’s sentiments.
not create that culture with your own children? I6. Touch your child affectionately, maybe a pat
am not saying that appearance is the moston the back or stroke of an arm.
important issue in a kid’s life. But7. Praise immediately, as soon as you notice
appearance speaks for itself. What’scommendable behavior.
wrong with dressing the part? Your child will grow"Your praise should be honest and specific.
and learn to take pride in how they look and will inDon’t dilute the effectiveness of praise by
turn pass this to their children.overdoing it or being insincere. Older children
What Should be your Child's Look - Classic orespecially will pick up on your exaggeration.