Preteen Parenting: Let Them Browse

 Slowly, but surely, I'm having some preteen parenting wins.  

I still have a ton to learn.

And I am going to celebrate anytime we have a parenting win because parenting older kids is tricky.

My tip for today is: Let them browse.

Let them try on clothes with no pressure.

Buy them things on Amazon that will be easy to return.

Order things in two sizes to give them options and return the rest.

Have them put things on an Amazon wish list, go through options together and then order.

Both of my older kids are growing so fast.  Shoes.  Clothes.  Jackets.  Everything.  And sometimes that means they are outgrowing their usual sections of clothes or their go to stores.  We are fumbling to figure out their best sizes and the clothes that they feel best in.  It's tricky and it can be stressful for them and for me.  I know it's stressful when they outgrow clothes and I know it's stressful for me when I no longer know the best size to order for them.

We headed to Shoe Carnival over the weekend to let them browse.

I packed snacks for Leo and he watched a show on my phone while the big kids tried on several styles and several sizes of shoes.  It took probably an hour and I was sweating at the end.  But both kids left the store with shoes in new sizes that they were excited about.  Hooray!  We found a new style for Fletcher and a new brand for Olive.  They are both excited to wear their new shoes.

I'm glad I took the time to let them browse.