The teenage years are notoriously tough on parents and teens alike. A place where parents and teens traditionally clash is in regards to clothing. Teens want to make their own choices about their clothing and are interested in using their clothing as a means of self-expression. Sometimes, they are willing to break their high school dress codes to make a statement. Before leaving the house to go to shopping for clothes, have a conversation with your teen about your own family's dress codes that will establish the guidelines and expectations about your teen's wardrobe.
This may sound daunting, but you can make the conversation peaceful and productive. When preparing yourself to have a conversation about clothing with your teen, it is important to try to see the issues from the teen's side. Begin with an attitude of empathy and understanding, and the conversation will be easier. One way to show that you are interested in having a productive discussion is to ask questions and listen. Ask your teen what they are looking for in clothing. Let them tell you what type of fashions they are interested in and what look they want to achieve. Quietly listen, and don't be critical or judgmental.
If you hear fashion ideas you don't like, offer alternatives or ways to adjust the intended outfit to make it more appropriate or within your acceptable limits. Limits are important, and teens still need and even crave them, although they would never admit it to you. For example, if a teen girl wants to wear a tank top, suggest the "double shirt" look, which will keep her covered, yet still give her the look she wants. This negotiation may need to happen in the store itself, but the most important point is to be prepared to compromise without giving up your values.
It can help to set ground rules before leaving for the store. Offer the teen the chance to choose, but you have final say, veto power or deal breakers. Maybe you can offer a choice between acceptable alternatives, or find a way to adjust an outfit to fit in with your limits. The clearer the expectations, the easier the shopping process will be for both of you.In the store, be consistent with your rules, and don't give in. If you change the rules at the store, it will send the message that you can be manipulated and your rules really don't matter. That's to be avoided. Stand firm, and realize there's a difference between negotiating and giving up.
 | Arming your children with school safety advice when they are not with you will help protect your kids all through the school day. |
School bus safety rules are important for everyone, and children won't necessarily think of these rules on their own. |
 | Heavy backpacks continue to cause increasing back problems for students of all ages. In fact, the Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that each year there are more than 10,000 backpack-related injuries to kids ages 18 and under. |
 | It's important to follow basic playground safety rules with your children. Most often, the playgrounds are at schools, and teachers can monitor kids. Sometimes, though, the teachers aren't there to supervise or are too busy to do so, so parents must always keep playground safety in mind. |
Everyone has his or her own back to school shopping ritual. Some wait until the sales begin, and some commit to their back to school shopping routine whenever they see an item their child needs. Back to school shopping can be an opportunity for you to show your child you support their school experience, but it can also be a nightmare if you are not careful. |
