Making Children Decide What To Wear Is Important
Every parent wants their children to grow up and become adults, independent and determined in a healthy way. However, sometimes it can happen to forget that their personality is formed from childhood and it is our job to guide them towards autonomy. In this article, we will tell you why it is important for children to decide what to wear. A simple gesture with great repercussions.
Our children are not our property
The key to being respectful parents is to understand that children are human beings and, as such, have the right and freedom to be themselves. We must guide them, accompany them and advise them, but not impose choices or tastes on them.
Personal image is largely determined by the clothes we wear, which allow us to develop our style and identity and transmit them to the world. For children, this aspect is fundamental and is configured as a crucial aspect for the development of their self-esteem.
Fights between parents and children over clothing are common in many families. Often a power struggle is waged in which both sides end up being disappointed. Our mission as parents is to educate healthy and happy children, not children who dress well. This is one of the reasons why it is important for children to decide what to wear.
Nothing happens if a child chooses clothes with very bright colors that do not suit the tastes of the parents. The important thing is that it is comfortable and appropriate clothing. The rest is part of the creativity and freedom so typical of childhood.
We therefore advise you not to try to impose your tastes or opinions, as your children are not dolls that belong to you. It is not right to express yourself through them. Their individuality must be respected, as in this way we will build the foundations of a healthy and independent personality.
Why is it important for children to choose what to wear?
- Promote self-expression. Allowing children to choose what to wear gives them the opportunity to express themselves and define their own style. They will be able to experiment until they find the image that defines them and that they feel really comfortable with.
- It helps to take responsibility for your body and self-care. Choosing what to wear is a way to engage with yourself, with your body and with your person in general. Basically, it promotes self-care.
- It will make them feel safe, respected and appreciated. While it may seem silly, children will greatly appreciate the gesture of allowing them to decide their own image. Respecting their decisions will increase their confidence in themselves and in you, consequently they will not feel the need to rebel.
- Strengthen the personality and character. It is these small steps that help educate autonomous and independent children. Growing up by making decisions will make them determined and able to express their wishes without fear of being rejected.
- It makes them more accountable to their clothes. As leaders they have chosen themselves, and who they adore, they will feel more responsible for their care. This way, they will be more likely to keep their bedroom tidy, put their clothes in the closet or put them in the dirty stuff bin and, as much as possible, they will make sure they don’t get ruined.
Driving without imposing
Children should be able to experiment and decide their own image, obviously within the bounds of common sense. The role of adults must be of guidance and orientation.
It is possible that once your children are able to choose, they will decide to dress inappropriately. In this case, it is important to calmly explain to them the need for their clothes to adapt to the climate and social situation and to monitor their decisions.
Furthermore, depending on the age and temperament of the child, you may encounter drawbacks: opposition, anger, misunderstanding, and it may take longer to convince them to change their minds or to decide what to wear. To resolve this situation, we recommend that you offer them two or three options to choose from.
The important thing is that your children feel they have the freedom to try, fail and decide. It is essential to make them live in a safe environment in which to express themselves, feel accepted and guided in their choices, not where they have to rebel to get what they want. They need to know that they can turn to their parents at any time and that they will receive advice guided by respect and unconditional love, not personal tastes.
Before pressuring your children to choose the shirt that you think goes best with the pants or skirt, you better think about all the reasons why it is important for children to decide what to wear in order to build confidence. in themselves.
