|
I am sure it’s a time that many mothers look forward to – the time when they can take their daughters clothes shopping. I have been there, and it is scary. I have learned that I am “uncool”. When a six year-old thinks you are not cool, you must really reside in the basement of geekdom.
Granted, my style of dress could be considered conservative. I wear pants and either knit tops or blouses. My closet is filled with blue, black, gray, and tan. I blend in well in any technical setting. I hate to shop. To me shopping is a chore. I do it because I need to pick something up. Now, Jasmine was in need of shoes and clothes. Clothes I had an idea about the size. In order to get shoes, I needed her feet.
So, we are in the store, looking at clothes. First, she wants a jean jacket. I can appreciate that. Then she sees this Power Puff Girls jacket that looks like it straight out of the early 70’s. The pockets look like little zipper purses. Guess what she wants? She thinks it is cool. I think it is ugly.
Did the people who design clothes not live in the 70’s? I was a child, and I remember the 70s as being ugly. I remember my mom wearing paisley prints and this long gown which was red, white and blue. I remember bell buttons and plaid pants. I see pictures of myself at six and ask my mother why she permitted to dress like that. I am trying to avoid the same mistakes I made. What happens? My daughter picks out this paisley print outfit. She likes these little glamour girl shirts with glitter on them. I gave in because I couldn’t find anything else in which to dress the child. I know when she’s in her twenties; she’s going to ask me why I let her dress that way.
Shoe shopping was worse. First of all, kids do not need heels. We needed gym shoes, sandals, and school shoes. I knew the gym shoes were going to be whatever the hottest character of the moment was. So we have little platform Power Puff Girl gym shoes. Jasmine saw Spy Kids sandals and that was just the “coolest”. Then came the school shoes. I picked out several pairs and got comments such as “those are not cool,” and “no way”. After three stores we finally settled on a pair. She gave in this time.
My first thought is why does a six-year old have an opinion? She comes out of her bedroom dressed for the day, and I often ask, “What are you wearing?” I get a reply, “It’s my style.” Her style doesn’t match. Then, I just take pleasure in the thought that she will be wearing school uniforms for the next twelve years of her life.
Now, I have to go deal with Jane, the two year-old, who also has some clothing issues. The child loves dresses. Every mother’s dream – a little girls who likes frilly little dresses. My problem, the child likes to wear them at night and sleep in them. I know she really is just saying, “It’s my style.”
April 12, 2001 |
 | |
