Parenting - Making Clothing Compromises With Your Teen

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Let’s face it; today’s teens have a completely different fashion sense than when we were their age. You really can’t blame them; however, the styles are dictated by the fashion industry experts who seem run the gamut in what they consider trendy clothes for teens. Here are some ways to help you deal with the differing clothing expectations you and your child may have.

How many times have you said to your son or daughter, “You’re not leaving this house wearing THAT.” Probably more than you care to remember. Take comfort in knowing you are not the only parent who is dealing with spiked colored hair and outrageous clothing, from mini skirts and shorts to low-cut jeans and jeans which hang off the hips.

This is a different world than when we were teens, and the clothes today are meant to reflect ones individuality. Honestly, it’s not a bad thing. It is certainly better than what we had to wear. In fact, we didn’t have the wherewithal to express ourselves in a fashion sense. If we did, we were considered out of the norm and grouped with the hippies and the beat generation.

When you see your teen wearing clothes that make you cringe, take a deep breath and try to compromise so that both of you are happy with the final result. The importance of gentle persuasion can alleviate your teen feeling self-conscious and ultimately lose self-esteem.

Celebrate the fact that your teen is different, but at the same time work with your teen to find a solution that both of you can live with. The mindset of the baby boomer generation is quite different than our parents. Baby boomers with teens are a bit more tolerant as far as fashion is concerned. Nonetheless, some teens can go a bit overboard especially when they are exposed to TV personalities whose children wear clothes and hairstyles even you as a parent find abhorrent.

The next time your teen presents an outfit he or she is wearing to school, a family get-together, or whatever the occasion, a few alterations here and there without dissipating the individual style and expression of your teen can be achieved through communication and funky new ideas. While you may not “get” the outfit, remember that you aren’t the issue, your teen is. You are not required to “get” it or understand it. All you can do is to ensure it is somewhat appropriate for the occasion for which it is worn.

Freedom of expression, freedom to voice an opinion, and freedom to choose is a basic right we all have. Your teen needs to feel you not only approve of him or her, but that you support them in their desire to be different. This makes for a higher self-esteem and self-worth. Okay, so you’re not crazy about the outfit; remember, however, you love the person wearing it.

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Back To School: Build Your Child’s Excitement About School

Returning to school is not easy for kids or their parents. In order to make the process of returning to school easier, you may want to help your child concentrate on the positive aspects of going to school. Here are some tips which can help build your child’s excitement about school.

One of the things you can discuss with your child is they will be able to see their friends again, how much fun they will have, and all of the new things they will learn. If you have a child who exhibits anxiety about returning to school, you can tell him or her that there are other kids feel the same way.

Perhaps a trip to the mall to shop for new outfits will help. This can lift their spirits by allowing them to pick out two or three outfits and shoes for their first day back to school. Another way to improve your child’s spirit is to invite other kids over for a day; kids who are classmates and friends who go to other schools as well. In this way, they can talk to each other about school and other things so they can begin the process of re-connecting with, and feeling comfortable about, going back to school.

Prepare your child for the first day by beginning a bedtime regimen a few weeks earlier. This will enable your child to establish a routine for the school days ahead.

If your child is attending school for the first time, find out if there is another child in the neighborhood who is also attending the same school. In this way, they can go together whether it’s by bus or within walking distance. Having someone to go to school with can ease the tension and anxiety for both children.

Most children will feel anxious and down about their first day back to school. While it is a normal occurrence, it can also be an exciting time for them. Teachers also understand the difficulties of returning to school, and they also take extreme care to ensure every child is made to feel comfortable on their first day back.

Pick up your Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

Back to School: How To Buy School Supplies And Save Money

Many schools do not have the budget to afford project and homework related supplies for students. Parents are often asked to buy extra school supplies for their children. This can pose a problem for families who are on a tight budget. Find out how to save money and get the supplies your child needs with these shopping tips.

If you belong to a one of the many stores chains, such as Costco or BJ, you can load up on supplies by buying in bulk throughout the year, especially when there are sales and coupons offered.

Office supply stores usually have summer sales. They also give-a-way supplies such as calculators, as well as discounts if you spend a certain a certain amount. In fact, you can save lots of money by purchasing the store brand of supplies, especially paper, pencils, pens and other items needed for school. Also, most office supply stores offer recycled paper as well, and is very inexpensive to purchase.

In some states, there are certain days or perhaps a week in which school supplies are tax free. Consider buying just a few basic items to last your child through the first few days or weeks of school. When the “tax free” period arrives, buy enough basic supplies to last for the better part of the year. This is also a great time to save money on the more expensive items, especially if you need to purchase computers or programs.

There are 99 cent store chains which also have some school supplies available. They have incidental items as well which can be purchased, such as: tissues, handy wipes, zip lock lunch bags, school bags, and other items wherein you can save quite a bit of money.

Another item which you can buy ahead of time are the white boards used for exhibiting art work, science projects, or used for any subject where the student has to showcase his or her work. These are expensive items, and while some schools have a budget for them, others do not. You may need three or four, depending on your child’s curriculum.

If you have purchased any school supplies online, you will no doubt receive emails from office supply stores offering $25.00 or more discounts on purchases of $100.00 to $150.00. In addition, when new chains of office supply stores open, you may also receive a circular in the mail or in your Sunday newspaper offering a discount and free items if you visit their store.

Supplies are expensive, and taking advantage of every promotion, sale, and coupon offered will save you a great deal of time and money.

To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk eBook’s Guide to Family Budgeting - Step-by-step guide to help you establish a workable budget.

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