By Marianne Mullen

<U>Allow your child to pick their own clothing.</u> Let them learn important skills about decision making by selecting their own outfit each day. It may not be what you would choose…and it may be downright mismatched, but your child will learn about their own preferences, opinions, and how to express themselves through clothing choices.

<U>Select clothing carefully.</u> Select and purchase clothing for your child that is different than the mainstream, big box stores. Shop in a variety of locations from boutiques, consignments, department stores, online stores, to craft shows and bizarres. Seek out childrens clothes that reflect your childs personality through color, texture, design, and style.

<U>Lead by example</u>. Have your own personal style and verbalize why you choose to wear the clothes you do. Explain why you are drawn to particular styles, colors, and textures and how these choices reflect who you are. Point out adults who have their own sense of style and how that contributes to who they are. Lead your child to observe differences in styles and how clothing can define who you are.

Marianne Mullen is Co-Owner of Polkadot Patch Boutique, a specialty boutique featuring unique baby and childrens clothes.