Tips for Increasing Your Child's Wardrobe During the Seasonal Change

Tips for Increasing Your Child's Wardrobe During the Seasonal Change

As adults, the simple approach to a new season can simply involve resurrecting last year's items and rearranging them to the front of your wardrobe. When it comes to growing children, the change of season frequently necessitates a completely different approach. Tips for increasing your child's wardrobe during the Seasonal Change. If you have children, consider going through their closets from oldest to youngest. This allows 'pre-loved' or outgrown items from an older sibling to be passed down to the younger siblings.

Reducing the requirements for any one child's wardrobe can result in significant time and money savings. Clothing serves its purpose when it is worn and used. If an article is no longer being used in its current location, why not give it to someone else to enjoy? It can also be an extremely liberating feeling to clear not only your physical space, but also the emotional energy associated with holding onto something.

While the northern hemisphere stores their winter clothing in preparation for the warmer summer months, we in the southern hemisphere are doing the opposite.

We have relatively stable seasons here in southern Queensland, Australia. As a result, it is not uncommon for certain clothes worn during one season to be obsolete the following year.

As adults, the simple approach to a new season can simply involve resurrecting last year's items and rearranging them to the front of your wardrobe. Any changes to specific items are usually dictated by fashion or personal preference rather than 'fit' (unless we've gained or lost a few kilos!).

When it comes to growing children, the change of season frequently necessitates a completely different approach. Individual children and their ages will grow at different rates from one year to the next. The impact of this growth on an existing wardrobe can range from the need for a 'part' modification (where most items still 'fit') to the situation where a 'complete overhaul' is required (where virtually everything has been outgrown).

Especially in the latter case, one of the first reactions to this sudden realization can be panic and stress (especially if you're the parent in charge of finding and financing these'modifications').

So, 'BEFORE' pulling out your credit card and rushing out on a frantic shopping spree with your child / children, consider the following 5 practical tips:

1. DEVOTE TIME 

To going through each child's current wardrobe. If the thought of this task makes either party nervous, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. (For example, focus on one child's wardrobe at a time, and/or spread the exercise out over several sessions or days. Spend 15-30 minutes per session, for example, going over a specific section. Perhaps jumpers one session, long pants the next, and so on.)

2. AVOID GUESSING IF AN ITEM WILL FIT. 

This includes 'calculated guesswork,' which is the practice of 'holding an item' against the body. If a child hasn't worn an item of clothing in several months, take the time to physically get them to TRY EACH ITEM ON. You'll be surprised at how much more accurate your assessment will be if you base it on practical testing rather than calculated guesswork.

3. If you have siblings, consider going through their closets from oldest to youngest. Working in this way allows 'pre-loved' or outgrown items from an older sibling to be passed down to the younger siblings and included in the items they will try on, in addition to their existing wardrobe. The advantages of this exercise are twofold: 1. Younger siblings may discover a 'instantly brand new' (to them) wardrobe. 2. Reducing the requirements for any one child's wardrobe can result in significant time and money savings.

4. KEEP ONLY THE ITEMS YOU 

(and especially your child) are certain your child will wear. Depending on your child's age, personality, and maturity, if they appear uncomfortable wearing a particular item, ask 'them' if they feel they will wear it or not. If the answer is a resounding 'no,' or their body language conveys the same message, remove that item from their wardrobe. No matter how attached another person is to an item of clothing, if the person to whom it belongs is not going to wear it, the truth is that it will end up taking up space and energy in a closet. Learning to respect your child's preferences and choices is an exercise that will save you not only heartache, but also money in the long run.

5. SELL OR DONATE

Clothing items that cannot be worn by immediate family members or relatives. You may want to keep a sentimental item as a 'keepsake' from time to time. Clothing, on the other hand, serves its purpose when it is worn and used. If an article is no longer being used in its current location, why not give it to someone else to enjoy? Not only is it a wonderful feeling to be able to give something to someone else, but it can also be an extremely liberating feeling to clear not only your physical space, but also the emotional energy associated with holding onto something that is no longer serving its purpose.

Although the above suggestions will require an initial investment of your time and energy, you will be well rewarded for your efforts in both the short and long term. Armed with accurate information about your child's current wardrobe before you spend a single penny, you can ensure that when you 'do' shop, you're investing your time and money in the most appropriate and needed items for that specific child.

As an added bonus, keep in mind that our children are only children for a short time. So, while going through their closets, why not take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the fit of your child's clothes as a measure of their growth from the previous year?