It’s safe to say that fashion plays a big role in all our lives – whether we want it to or not. The clothes we put on our back and indeed, on the backs of our family members, all have a story attached to them. It is also likely that we picked them up for a particular reason; attracted to the style, color or even the brand. When you have children of your own, suddenly you find that you don’t just have to worry about your clothes. You are thrust into the world of children’s fashion too, and it can be a little confusing at times. Here are a few ways in which you can dress your child when they are small, and how you can help them develop their personal style as they get older.

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Think practicality over style…

… at least while they are still very young! Kids between the ages of around three and eight are unlikely to care a great deal about fashion, and whether their clothes look good or not. They are more interested in playing with their friends, and sometimes this means spending a lot of time outdoors, rolling around in the dirt. With that in mind, it is easy to see how fancy designer clothes are pretty much redundant here. Opt instead for cheaper clothes that are slightly more replaceable. This way, when they do inevitably become dirty beyond repair, you won’t have wasted $60 plus the money spent getting them professionally cleaned. You will also notice that your kids grow at an alarming rate when they are young, so cheaper clothes save you money when you are playing catch-up with their height!

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Allow them a certain amount of autonomy…

Once your children are on their way to their teenage years, you may notice that fashion starts to become more important to them. Here, it is important to allow them the opportunity to develop their personal style. If you find that you don’t have the time or money to take them shopping very often, why not make use of a Mac And Mia coupon? Your child will no doubt appreciate the opportunity to choose their clothes, and it will help them carve out their identity.

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… but know when to step in

All that aside, you will come across some occasions where you have to offer your opinion on your child’s clothes. Most parents are pretty accustomed to deciphering what is simply a generational difference when it comes to fashion. But, if your child is dressed inappropriately, you may need to raise the issue with him/her. Try and be as tactful as possible and don’t beat them down about it – explain that you are only looking out for their best interests. This can also be a good time to use your fashion experiences and hand over some of your advice, especially if you and your child share the same body type. You might be met with an argument or a sulk, but it’s worth trying to save them any embarrassment.