Shopping with your tween daughter can be a fun bonding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. A lot of times mom and daughter have very different ideas of how she should dress, and that can easily lead to attitude, arguing and an overall terrible shopping experience. As a parent, it's important to navigate this transitional phase with patience and understanding. Remember, it doesn't have to be an excruciating experience. Here are some tips to make the most out of your shopping trips with your tween daughter.
Set a Budget and Expectations
Before heading out to shop, sit down with your daughter and discuss a budget for the shopping trip. This can help teach her the value of money and the importance of making informed purchasing decisions, and will hopefully lead to her making more careful decisions with her set budget. Set clear expectations about style requirements (not too low cut, not too short), what items are within budget and what items may need to wait for another time.
Encourage Individuality
Tween girls are at an age where they are exploring their personal style and developing their own identity. It's such an exciting time for them! Encourage your daughter to express herself and gaining attention for herself through her clothing choices in a positive way, providing guidance on what is age appropriate and practical. Let her try on different styles and experiment with new looks to help her build confidence in her own unique fashion sense.
Teach Smart Shopping Habits
Shopping with your daughter is such a great way to teach your daughter about shopping habits that will help her with any kind of purchase she makes. Show her how to compare prices, differentiate between cheap and quality fabrics, and make thoughtful purchasing decisions. Discuss the difference between wants and needs, and help her understand the importance of prioritizing essential items over impulse or trendy purchases.
Respect Her Opinions
While it's important to guide your tween daughter in making wise purchasing choices, it's also crucial to respect her opinions and preferences, the same way you want respect for your opinions. Allow her to have a say in the shopping process and really listen to her feedback on different items. This will help foster a sense of independence and autonomy as she grows into her own person.
Make it a Positive Experience
Above all, strive to make shopping with your tween daughter a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you. Keep the mood light and fun, and use the time together to bond and connect. Getting aggravated with each other? Take a break, grab a coffee or snack and decompress. Celebrate your daughter's unique sense of style and individuality, and cherish these moments spent together as she navigates the journey from childhood to adolescence.