Solo Shopping for Children’s Clothing

Most parents at some point are hit with the questions about when they will allow their child to pick out all of their own clothes and go shopping on their own. This hits some parents like a load of bricks, while others have been proudly waiting on this day for years. Question remains, when should your child be allowed to purchase their own clothing?

Many parents never fully allow their child total control over their clothing purchases, while others keep the reins loose and allow their children complete control. Which end of the spectrum is best for you, and how do you determine when your child is old enough for the responsibility?

Parents always know their child best, so they should make the decision based upon their child’s behavior, maturity, and sense of style. If your child is very mature for their age, they may be ready to tackle this task when they are young, around 11 or so. Other children are not able to handle this task until they are closer to 15. Where your child is on this scale is something that you must personally decide since no two children mature at the same rate.

Other factors to be considered are your child’s sense of style and fashion. If you cringe every time your child picks their own clothes out in the morning, it might not be the best time to allow them to start purchasing all of their own clothes. You might need to insist upon some guidance until you feel more comfortable with their choices before turning over control.

Other parents feel as if their child should have no say while they are still under their house, which is another option for many parents and there is nothing wrong with it. If you select this choice, I recommend a bottle of aspirin to help with the ensuing headaches that are likely to be created by protesting children.

Many parents decide to start slowly turning over control of the children’s clothes shopping, as they grow older by allowing the child to have a small say in what is picked out. Many start with a choice in pre-selected styles and colors to give the child a good starting ground before allowing a child to start picking out whole outfits or even wardrobes.

As you venture into this new territory, be prepared for fights and battles as you and your child work out who has the final say. Be prepared to be shocked and awed, your child may surprise you and be the perfect shopping example.