hilitehead

Granted, there are numerous retail stores that are specifically for children, but I think this is too much. I’ve recently been seeing a lot of catalogues that dress children in clothes that are more suited for adults. While walking the streets downtown, I’ve also seen many children that are dressed up like this. The little boys in this picture look dapper and cute, but they are little boys! I believe children shouldn’t be dressed up like this on a regular basis for two reasons. First, as kids, they tend to play and goof off, so they shouldn’t be dressed in constricting clothes. Second, if you refer back to my “Fashion vs. Style” post, you’d know that I think clothes are a manifestation of a person’s personality, thus I personally think that except for special occasions, a child should be allowed to wear what they please because choosing a child’s clothing all the time inhibits growth of character and personality. Giving them choice encourages development of personality and self confidence. A parent’s job is to support the child and help them grow, but through a kind of role that is more like an encouraging spectator, rather than am absolutist dictator. As soon as the child is able to choose for themselves, a parent should give the child as much choice as possible in their clothing (obviously parents should have veto power over clothes that are wholly inappropriate in general and for the weather and etc.). I’m a believer in letting kids be kids. Granted, some choices won’t be the best, but making mistakes is all a part of the journey.