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No, you’re not leaving the house wearing that!
By Mother | January 23, 2008
It’s a fact, kids today have a different fashion sense than when we were younger. We can’t blame the teens nowadays though as these styles and trends are dictated by the fashion industry. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “You’re not leaving this house wearing THAT.”? I have - more times than I want to remember.
Know that you are not the only parent dealing with crazy spiked hair and out of this world clothing, like micro-mini skirts or super low-cut jeans and even jeans which hang off the butt. Today’s clothes are meant to reflect ones individuality. It’s not a bad thing - I guess. It’s just that we probably didn’t have as much freedom to express ourselves in a fashion sense back then. If we did, we would have been considered punks or hippies.
Here’s some advise. If you notice your teen wearing clothes that make you frown, take a deep breath and try to compromise so that both of you are pleased with the final result. It’s alright for your teen to be different. The key is working with your teen to find a solution that both of you can live with. Remember, teens can go a bit overboard with their fashion styles especially when they are exposed to TV personalities.
The next time your teen comes out of her room wearing something questionable to school, a family get-together, or any occasion, perhaps you can agree on altering it here and there without dissipating the individual style and expression of your teen. Just remember to “communicate” with each other. While you may not like the outfit, know that you aren’t the issue, your teen is. You are not required to like it or understand it. As a parent, all you can do is to ensure it is somewhat appropriate for the occasion for which it is worn.
Freedom of expression, freedom to voice an opinion, and freedom to choose is a basic right we all have - yup, even your teen. It is important that she feels that you not only approve of her, but that you support her in her desire to be different. This will help her have a higher self-esteem and self-worth. Granted that you are not ecstatic about the outfit; just keep in mind that you love the person wearing it.
Topics: General ChitChat |
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I love this post!!! It is very important that parents realize our Teens wont fit into a “mold”. My 16 yo has gone though so many different “looks” and she is still the same loveable, smart kid that she always has been!
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Thanks - my 17 yo daughter is the same way. I must admit though that sometimes, I find myself comparing my teen self (how I used to dress up) to her which is not right - it is sometimes difficult to admit that our generations are different.