Clothing Choices

Children need to learn how to make proper clothing choices.  Weather and occasion should be taken into consideration.  I started early, about three years old, giving my boys two shirts to choose from for school/daycare.  Then gradually you can add more choices until they are able to do it themselves.  If your child is determined to wear inappropriate clothing, start by showing them what you will be wearing and explaining why.  Still not changing? If it is winter and they want to wear a special t-shirt put a long sleeved shirt under it, if it is summer and they are certain about a sweat shirt again put a t-shirt under so when they get hot they can cool down.
Now special occasions can be a more difficult battle....make a big deal about dressing up for the occasion.  Choices here are very important especially if the child is going to have the clothing on for an extended period of time, for example before, during, and possible after a wedding and then reception.  If your six year old son enjoys a coat and tie, let him help choose the tie.  If he doesn't, a nice golf shirt with khaki pants will be totally appropriate.  For little girls dress them up or down to fit their tastes.  An eight year old tomboy is probably not going to sit through any service in ruffles and lace, but a skirt with a shirt on that she picked out may be just the thing to make her look like a little lady.  Also, please remember the importance of comfortable shoes.  How many times will they come off if they are a little tight?  Every time you put them on! Simple slip on shoes are convenient, but as easy as you slip them on they can be slipped off!  Tie up shoes (double tied) and buckles may be better choices in the long run if your child has a tendency to want to be bare-footed.

Your Tips Are Always Appreciated!

I would love to hear other parents tips and opinions.  Please leave comments on any post.  Feedback is great!

Restaurants

I let my children order for themselves as much as possible. I, of course, guide them in the decision making, but the actual ordering I let them handle. I'm one of those weird parents who feel that children should know how to communicate properly with any adult not just their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Laundry

Start letting your kids do their own laundry as early as you can. I started my boys doing their own laundry in middle school and when my oldest started college in the fall it was one less thing he and I had to worry about. It doesn’t sound like much but during that stressful time one less thing is a very good thing!

Menu Planning

Let everyone plan the menu for a day or if your kids are too small for the whole meal at least let them pick the vegetable or side dish. They are more likely to eat it if they have some input.

The beginning......

This is starting as an experiment. Let me start by saying that I do NOT know everything.  Because of that I have had to look up quite a bit in books and on the internet.  But in a crunch the most referenced source of information for me has always been my family and friends.  People who have "been there, done that"; people who know what to to do, but also what not to do.  So I am inviting all parents to post their quick tips, fast fixes, and "go to" advice to share.  Feel free to post as many ideas as you would like, but make sure they all are tried and true!