Girls And Clothes

Hi everybody! If you have kids like me, you're probably really busy this time of year, going to all sorts of school events.

Last night, my oldest daughter had her band concert. Before she left home, we picked out a really cute, funky outfit that we had bought on a recent vacation to L.A. I thought she looked adorable and she felt really comfortable. Later, as I watched her perform on stage, I could tell that something was seriously bothering her. She had a very sad expression on her face and could hardly bring herself to participate.

After we got home, she ran straight up to her room, and I followed to see what was the matter. She told me that several girls in the grade above her had teased her about her outfit because it was very bohemian and unlike what a lot of the other kids were wearing. She was absolutely bawling and it ruined her big night.

As a parent, I'm sure that you have experienced similar heartaches with your child. Sadly, I had to explain to her that this was far from the last time that she would be teased. Girls and clothes are a huge issue in schools, especially when it comes to the pressure to dress like everyone else.

I told my daughter that I understood how badly she was feeling. After all, being on television you certainly hear all sorts of opinions about the clothes you're wearing before and after the show. I told her that if she liked something, that was the most important thing, and that she should be confident in what she's wearing. Then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I also tried to explain that people who criticize others' outward appearance are usually either jealous or insecure.

These are pretty tough concepts for a young kid to absorb and I hope it sinks in. Feel free to post any similar experiences that you might have had, and advice you gave your child. It always helps to hear what other moms are doing! Thanks, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.