Kids on the brink of adolescence often adopt many of the attitudes and preferences of teens who are slightly older. This can be especially true in the fashion department. When shopping for tween clothing, you can avoid many issues by approaching the process with wisdom and empathy.
Inventory Wardrobe
Children grow fast at this age, so it’s likely that your child’s closet contains many items that no longer fit well. Go through every item together to eliminate pieces that are too small. While you inventory the items, get rid of anything that is worn out or that your child doesn’t like. Once you have only items your kid can and will wear, figure out what tween clothing you need to buy. Depending on individual needs and the frequency of laundry in your family, your child may need enough outfits to last a week or two between laundry days. Remember to factor in various occasions such as school, play/athletics, and more formal events that will occur each week.
Make a List
Making a shopping list occurs in conjunction with the inventory step. Write down every shirt, sweater, pair of jeans, and pair of shoes your child needs. Group items by the stores you will visit to simplify shopping. Specify details such as size and color preferences, where possible.
Peruse Sales Circulars
Depending on the time of year you are shopping, you might find sales that will help stretch your tween clothing budget further. Back-to-school and holiday sales can be especially good times for finding deals. Add specifics regarding sales to your list to ensure that you take advantage of sale prices.
Set a Budget
Spending without limits can be problematic for many families. Speak with your tween about the spending cap for the shopping trip so everyone understands the limitations. When your child knows how much you will spend, it also enables decision-making. Perhaps it is not necessary to spend excessive money on a pair of athletic shoes when spending less on the shoes leaves more money for a few extra sweaters.
Discuss Fashion
Tweens and parents can have drastically different ideas about what is fashionable. With advertisers targeting kids this age heavily, it’s likely that your child has firm ideas about fashion. It’s also likely that you and your adolescent won’t agree on everything. It may be necessary for both you and your child to compromise on some issues to meet in the middle regarding fashion.
Shop Together
Hit the stores as a team to find separates that your tween likes, that fit, and that meet other specifications for style. The shopping process may take time, especially if you intend to visit several stores. Take your time, have your child try items on, and discuss purchases thoroughly to ensure that everyone approves of each item.
Shopping for tween clothing can be an excellent opportunity to bond with your young person by spending quality time together.