One of the things I pride myself is making sure that Jack looks good when we leave the house. Not that I’m all about labels or anything like that. But when he leaves the house, I make sure he is clean and put together. I figure I only have a few more years left of this before he puts his foot down.
Saying that, I’m having to start loosening the grip. We were getting ready for a trip to the store. He was dressed and I told him to get his shoes on. He comes running back to me with his snow boots on. Only it was 70 degrees and he was wearing shorts and t-shirt. Not really snow boots weather.
I pleaded and pleaded with him to put his tennis shoes on. He wouldn’t budge. To him, they are no longer snow boots. They are work boots, just like Daddy’s. Cute right? He had been wearing them as work boots while outside and I didn’t care or say anything. But I just couldn’t let him wear them to the store. What would people think? Hey, at least he was wearing clothes. Keeping him in clothes at home is a constant issue.
It was at the moment that I loosened the grip and let him wear the darn boots. I shouldn’t care what complete strangers think of how my son is dressed. I should be more concerned with Jack’s wanting to be independent and picking out his own outfits. Even if it includes snow boots that should have been put away months ago.
I’ll admit that the first few minutes at the store were awkward for me. Which is silly, really. All it took for me to snap out of it, was seeing Jack be carefree and having a good time.
Are you the same way with your children’s clothing choices?
Hahahahaha! My one twin does this all the time… cowboy boots are his fav! Love it.
my kid lives in his rubber lightning mcqueen rain boots. it kills me, but i let him go with it. people ALWAYS comment on it, and give a little laugh.
I really felt silly that I was the one upset about it. I mean, he's 4 and that's what kids do. I think I have control issues.
I got over that feeling when my four year insisted on wearing a leash and collar in public. And really, most people who understand children will think it’s cute and will think you’re a good parent for letting him have his individual style (within reason, of course) Besides the boots are cute.
I thought you would like them. Ya know, considering you gave Jack the boots.