Preteen Parenting: Episode 1

I am the mom of a preteen.  That milestone sure came up fast. Olive is quickly approaching age 10 and we are figuring out preteen life together.

I'm trying hard to navigate this new parenting territory with positivity and patience.

Insert a new blog series: Preteen Parenting

Today we're going to talk about building a preteen wardrobe.

I think these will be good tips for your preteens and teens!

I noticed that we were entering a new zone with fashion and clothing.

Olive is starting to care more about trends and putting together outfits.  She has always cared about her clothes.  She's always had favorites.  She had a dress phase, a rain boot phase, Crocs phase, specific hairstyles and no shortage of opinions about what she wears.

She's paying attention to what her peers are wearing and taking notes of things she likes.  But she isn't exactly sure how to mesh seeing something she likes and making sure she likes it on her.  I want her to feel good in her clothes and feel confident.

My best clothing advice is to TRY IT ON!

Whether you order several sizes online and have them shipped to your house or pile in a dressing room with several size options, give your preteens a chance to try on the clothes they like.  See if they like it on themselves and build a wardrobe that makes them feel confident.

We spent one Saturday just the two of us and had the best time.   I talked to Kevin ahead of time and planned out a Saturday when he could be home with the boys so I could give Olive my full attention.  Shopping for clothes with little brothers isn't very fun for anyone.

ONE ON ONE time with your preteen might be hard to get, but it's worth it to make them feel special.  She had a Spring clothing wish list we talked through ahead of time and we got busy.  We headed to any store that she wanted to check out.  I grabbed size options for any item that caught her eye and she tried everything on.  Some things she hated and other things surprised her.

It was so fun to be with her and let her shine.  

I am a take charge kind of girl so it was good practice for me to be patient and let her take charge for a change.  I hung up the clothes she tried on and listened to what she had to say about each outfit.  I took mental notes and gave compliments.  We talked through likes and dislikes.  She grabbed some new basics and found some cute statement pieces.  We figured out her best sizes for Spring/Summer and we both felt more confident in her personal style by the end of the day.

I used my Old Navy rewards $, earned Super Cash and shopped end of the season clearance racks for killer deals.  We had great luck at Old Navy, Target, Meijer, thrift shops and Wal-Mart.

One of those moments I'll remember forever...

She was confidently carrying her bag of new clothes to the car, grabbed my hand and she thanked me for helping her find clothes she loved.  She said it was the best day ever.

I hope she always enjoys shopping with me!!

Preteens can be so much fun, I promise.