Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Wardrobe Drama and Birdbrains

Popcorn has always had her own unique style. When she was 3 and 4 she always wore monochromatic clothes. Her very favorite outfit was a purple shirt, with purple shorts, and purple socks. Then, at about age 5, her personal style changed to polychromatic. This translated means, "if it doesn't match, it will be my favorite outfit, and I will wear it as soon as my mommy washes it again." So, she frequently wore her purple shorts with her blue LV Bears shirt, and pink socks...or on a REALLY special day, the socks would be mismatched. Sadly, I am spineless when it comes to wardrobe. If it covers all of the necessary parts, doesn't need ironed and is clean, I'm okay with it. I did make the effort to point out it didn't match, to which she replied "I know. I don't care." I then decided why should I care, and sent her on her merry way.

To those of you who are wondering, yes I received comments from well-meaning friends, and even strangers. What they, and you, may not understand is the strength of Popcorn's will. I like to pride myself on my own strong will, but when we clash....Well, let's say it just ain't pretty.

So, I've decided that I refuse to battle about clothes. Yes, I've had some moments of pause regarding this. If I can't make her wear what I want at 6, what will happen when she's 13? We'll face that road when we get there.

Well, this morning she wanted to wear shorts. It's November. Yes, in South Texas I would have allowed it, but this is Oklahoma. The wind is blowing. Well, she agreed surprisingly easily to not wear the bright blue shorts with her pink camo shirt. She came strolling in the living room in a pair of........leggings. Tight leggings. Tight leggins with a pink camo shirt that she's had for 2 years, and it barely skims her waste. Did I mention the leggings are fitted? Yes, she's 6. Yes, she's tall and slim. I initially agreed. After all, she's 6. But then...I had visions...visions of my 13 year old curvy child strolling out in the same outfit. Would I crumble then? No. You would be proud of me, dear reader. I stood firm. Today, that is. She changed again. (Hey, I need to save this date. I actually accomplished TWO wardrobe changes out of Popcorn in one morning! With very little argument!)

She reappeared. In a pair of brown palazzo pants. That she wore in preschool. She's now in 1st grade. They used to come to her ankles. Now they are wide legged shorts that come to just above her knees. Were they really shorts? No. Were they leggings? No. Was she decently covered? Yes. I didn't say a word. We headed out the door for another day in the life.

So, what do you think? Are leggings by themselves okay on a 6 year old? I know most of you will tell me to have her put a skirt on over it. This won't fly with Her Fashioness... so try again. Let me know. I'm interested to hear about your kids wardrobe drama. And if you have none, make it up...I don't want to feel all alone here! Thank you for your tolerance.

Oh, and a post note courtesy of Bookworm... "Did you know that barn swallows are very useful birds? They eat junebugs, flies, and wasps." How handy...I pointed out that they also poop all over my porch when they build a nest there. "Well, that's not very useful!" Oh, Bookworm, you make me laugh.

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

a suggestion....ummm...remove unsuitable clothing from her room????

Andi said...

Oh, Dawn, the ever practical one. I'm not sure she would have any clothes left if I removed all "unsuitable" clothing! And, what would I have to blog about? AND you didn't even leave your own story! You're supposed to make me feel better!