Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Back 2 School Series - Day 2 - or "What Not to Wear"

(I'll be wearing my teacher hat a bit as I post this....!)

If you have a young child starting school this month, and they don't require a uniform, here are my tips for what to wear (and not to wear) to school!

*For starters, hold off on the big school shop until late September/early October. At least here in CA, the weather is quite warm until mid-October. His or her summer clothes will work fine until then. Also, it gives your kiddo a chance to check out what friends are wearing, and, let's face it, they are going to end up wanting a few things their buddies have.

*Layers always work well. Again, I'm thinking of our local Bay Area climate - occasional overcast early mornings, that make way for warmer days. Dress light, and then always bring a hoodie!

*Make sure your child can fully dress him or herself. Miss P is still mastering snaps, so she will wear 'pull on' pants until she does. Shoes with laces, overalls, and any other 'tricky' clothing can be part of the weekend wardrobe for now.

*Even if they beg, make sure your darling leaves all jewelry at home. (Have you read Lily's Purple Plastic Purse?) These sparkly, removable accessories prove to be too tempting. Either the child removes it and can't put it back on independently, accidentally breaks it and then breaks down, or is surrounded by others who want to try it on or just look at it. Best bet - keep it at home!

*If you have a girl who favors dresses and skirts, make sure she is wearing something underneath them! Leggings or bike shorts work, or you can splurge for 'Monkeybar Buddies' pictured above. For the $12, they are well made, (supposedly) very comfortable and stylish.

*With either girls or boys, make sure you label all of their clothing! So many things end up at the lost and found. Kindergartners and first graders in particular have a harder time tracking all of their jackets, sweatshirts, etc., as they are used to the close eye and loving reminder of multiple teachers/aides/parents at preschool. Welcome to the big leagues, kiddos!

*IMHO, stay away from 'I'll send you to a time out', 'My sister made me do it' type rude t-shirts for kids. 'Nuff said.

*This is kind of a 'no-brainer,' but...always pick out your child's school clothes with him/her the night before. Down to the shoes. I select two choices that I know will work for the weather and any event I know will be going on that day. Then she get to make the 'final call.'

Finally, keep an extra set of clothes in your child's backpack....you just never know.

1 comment:

Hilary said...

Seriously? Do people put a spare pair of clothes in their kids backpack? I never even thought of that...
Those monkey bar pants are crazy cool, whta genius idea. Although a tad expensive.
Loved the lunchbox ideas, but I just can't get that into it... and since Conner doubles his luncbox as a soccer ball I can't dare to spend that much on a bento box, but let me know if you get ideas... maybe I should do one day a week I try something creative.