At what age did your boys start caring about looking "cool."? My son is getting ready to start 2nd grade. The other day he told me that he didn't want to wear some of his character shirts because they weren't "cool." I knew he still loved them, so we had a talk about it and he mentioned that one of the kids had told him that "Ninjago" wasn't cool. We had a nice long talk about how it doesn't matter if someone else likes his clothes because he is the one who has to wear them and that he shouldn't change what he likes just because of someone else's opinion.
After awhile he came to the decision that he would like to keep his character shirts, but he would also like to get some new "cool" shirts too.
Is it normal for this to start at this age?
Also, what would be considered a "cool" shirt at that age? I am guessing liek Nike, Under Armour, etc? He can't really describe what he wants, so we may just have to hit the mall and find something that fits his taste and his new sense of "coolness."
Yes 2nd grade is when they start to change from a young child to a little man. Take him along shopping and let him pick out his own clothes. Set price points and guidelines which will help him learn how to budget as he gets older. Also just pick up a couple things before school starts. That way he can see what everyone else is wearing and you can pick up the rest of his clothes and know that he'll love them.
We use the "un-cool" shirts for jammie shirts.
When my older son was in grade two he started to care about "looking cool". I remember sending him to school in Spiderman boots I had bought on sale the previous winter at end of season. He told me he had to hide them on the top shelf of the boot rack so no one would see them. He was so embarrassed that I broke down and bought him new boots at regular price. He stopped wearing character shirts at that age as well, so I just handed them down to his younger brother. He likes Nike, West 49, DC, Billabong, Hurley and Quicksilver. I buy most of them at thrift stores for $1 or $2. My younger son stopped wearing all but a few of his character shirts in grade one.
I dunno... my daughter is 10, and my son is 6 and going to 2nd grade.
They both just wear what they, want or like.
They each have their own personality and I let them wear what their "taste" is as long as it is not skanky/trashy clothing.
Which my kids, they don't like skanky clothing anyway. Though some of their classmates, do. Whatever.
Anyway, my son uses the word "awesome" a lot, versus "cool."
I just tell my kids, that despite what OTHER kids say... they have their own, minds, and preferences. So, go according to, themselves.
And they do.
But of course, there are overall likes or dislikes, per age or grade level, per what kids like to wear or have. Fine.
But main thing is, at least for my kids, that they think on their own, and are their own, person. Which I just taught them about since they were Toddlers. Because, I knew, once they entered into Elementary school, there would be all sorts of influences with everything.... due to other kids. But my kids will go according to their own personal cues. Thus far, they have been aware and know themselves. Versus just going according to follow the sheep.
Pretty much til 2nd or 3rd grade, I could have sent my son in a dress and tights. Lol
That sounds about right to me.
Character shirts are the death fell, apparently, as are any type of Velcro shoes.
My 10 year old likes Nike, UA, etc. but it's the trends more than the brand.
Basketball shorts have to be LONG and the new, flashy, high football & soccer socks are a hit, hoodies are a wardrobe staple & take the place of a coat or jacket most of the school year.
Oh, the peer pressure starts young, doesn't it? You did the right thing with the long talk. I'd take some time to educate him about being insensitive to others and making fun of their stuff. Tell him that sometimes people say it's not cool when what they really mean is that they want one and don't have one. He can't articulate what he wants because he doesn't know - he only knows he doesn't like how it feels when someone belittles him. Also let him know that fads change, and what's "cool" to some people today won't be tomorrow.
In general, I'm kind of tired of the "brand names are cool" business, especially after the big flap with the Abercrombie and Fitch CEO belittling customers who wear larger sizes. Overall, it just racks up the clothing bills but making certain names desirable - it's the commercials that are teaching kids this, and the parents are going along with it. I also don't like this not-so-new-anymore trend of writing stuff across the butt of girls' pants and shorts. When I was teaching, there were quite a few restrictions about what kids could wear, both from the standpoint of decency (no spaghetti straps, no words on the butt) and from the standpoint of showing off.
my son had to wear cool shirts at 4 to preschool. cause his buddy cameraon wouldn't play with him if he didn't have a cool shirt.
my daughter on the other hand dances to her own drum and wears whatever I get her. she doesn't worry about what other kids think.
When my son started 2nd grade he would only wear plain t-shirts and hoodies. He wouldn't wear jeans. Had to be track pants or sweats ;) This year (3rd) he wants to wear jeans. LOL....oh and he has been begging for nikes or DC shoes. My 5 year will wear whatever I put on him and I am loving it!
sounds about right. letting him pick out his own stuff is the best solution.
khairete
S.
