As the back-to-school season rolls in, parents often find themselves juggling an array of supplies like binders, pens, and notebooks for their tweens. But let’s not forget one critical item on the list: back-to-school clothing. It’s time to dig up any unused gift cards to help fund a wardrobe your child insists they need as autumn approaches.
This means preparing for a mall trip—likely a lengthy one. Unlike a solo shopping spree for a new pair of yoga pants, shopping with your tween is a whole different ball game. Instead of a peaceful experience, you’re in for navigating a chaotic array of stores, hunting for reasonably priced clothes that not only cover all essential areas but also pass the “cool” test for your child.
The experience will take you from vividly colorful shops that assault your senses to dimly lit, high-end boutiques that make you feel like you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone. And let’s not forget interacting with a child who would rather keep their earbuds in than engage in any conversation you initiate. So, for those parents looking for a smooth shopping experience, here’s a mini-quiz to help set the right mindset.
- Before leaving home, you:
a. Encourage your tween that shopping can be enjoyable, so let’s skip the eye rolls and make it a fun bonding time!
b. Remind your tween that the mall trip is primarily for clothes, not snacks from Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s, or Dippin’ Dots.
c. Ask your tween to clean up the clothes strewn across the floor, only to find out she already has enough outfits.
d. Say nothing.
Correct answer: d. As a parent of a tween, you already know that sometimes silence is golden. (Though if you’re feeling adventurous, b might also be a good option.) - Upon arriving at the store, you:
a. Accompany your tween everywhere, even when she tries to sneak away.
b. Go in with your tween, but find a nearby seat to scroll through social media while trying to ignore her as she eyes the pricier items.
c. Wait outside the store on a bench, only getting up to indulge in a pretzel from Auntie Anne’s.
d. Start to bite your nails anxiously.
Correct answer: Trick question! None of the above. As you approach the store, your tween will probably act as if she’s on her own. Sorry, Mom, but at this age, you’re just not cool enough to know anything! - When your tween wants to try on clothes, you:
a. Rush into the dressing room with her before she can shut the door.
b. Stand outside the dressing room, calling out, “Does it fit? How does it look?”
c. Channel your inner Kevin Arnold’s mom and yell, “Make sure those pants aren’t too tight!”
d. Resume biting your nails, hoping the full-priced items don’t fit but the sale items do.
Correct answer: None of the above! Your tween will likely want her space in the dressing room—she believes you wouldn’t understand! - When your tween discovers an item she loves, you:
a. Agree it’s nice, but only if you don’t want her to buy it.
b. Pretend to dislike it, hoping she’ll feel compelled to get it.
c. Critique how poorly made it is, prompting her to say you ruin everything.
d. Stay silent and simply hand over your credit card.
Correct answer: d. However, do remind her that your budget allows for only three shirts and two pairs of pants, meaning she must return that $80 trendy item that will likely be out of style in three months. This will usually lead to her reluctantly placing the rejected item back on the rack, muttering under her breath.
After your shopping ordeal, you may feel accomplished while your tween is fixated on the item she couldn’t acquire. Expect a 20-minute drive home filled with silence and the occasional glare at red lights. But don’t worry too much; soon enough, those new shoes will be needed. By then, you’ll be savvy enough to let your partner take on the shopping duty.
For more parenting insights, check out our blog on home insemination kits, which can be a valuable resource during your journey into parenthood. The information available at WomensHealth.gov is also excellent for any pregnancy-related questions you might have. And if you’re curious about developmental milestones, you can find useful information on the palmar grasp reflex at this link.
Summary
Shopping with your tween can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Understanding their preferences while managing your expectations is key. Remember to embrace the chaos and enjoy the bonding time, even if it’s not the smoothest outing.