Why I let my children pick their own clothing

NewsBreak brand partnership with PatPat

Heather Monroe

As a ‘90s baby, shopping for clothing wasn't fun. When summer neared its end, mom dragged us to the department store. We spent hours combing through clearance racks, searching for affordable clothing. Tears were shed, fits were thrown, and the outfits hardly reflected our unique personalities. It was the best mom could do, and we were grateful. During holidays, mom purchased fancier outfits that suited our styles. Those outfits gathered dust in our closets until special occasions arose, such as family gatherings or picture days. I recall anticipating the chance to wear my pale pink party-length dress with white lace trim that swished in a circle when I twirled. I was confident I was a ballerina every time I wore it. But, we'd only get a few uses out of our good clothes before we grew an inch taller, and they disappeared. When I became a mother, I swore things would be different.

Becoming a Mother

When I first held my son, I knew I'd love him forever. It was up to me to meet all of his needs—physical and emotional. As his mother, I bore the responsibility of molding him into the best version of whoever he would become. That first day, I asked, "Do you like the onesie with the llamas or the sloths?" He couldn't answer, but we were building a ritual. I continued to ask until he could answer. When his sister was born, we continued this custom. Sometimes, the kids answered unenthusiastically. I realized the clothes I purchased were my preferences, not theirs. As a work-at-home mom, I swore off the forgettable apparel of my childhood. I wanted these little ones to enjoy shopping and dressing in fun, stylish clothing they would remember fondly. I decided to allow them to tell me what to buy. I wanted to memorize every detail of these first wonderous years. My 7-year-old son is a dreamy blue-eyed gamer with a poet's soul. My 4-year-old is a honey-haired rebel who wants to be a witch someday. These extraordinary children need attire that allows them to feel confident and put their best foot forward. I knew we had to shop often since their style preferences frequently changed, and they grew so fast. I also knew we had to shop online. Even pre-pandemic, this method was safer, more convenient, and more affordable.

More than Clothing

If all the world's a stage, children deserve the chance to dress their part. Self-expression through fashion can be expensive, but the rewards outweigh the costs. Phases always end and eventually transform into individuality. I hope my daughter never forgets the black-cat leggings she paired with a fancy pointed hat. Tomorrow, she might decide she's a soccer player. That's OK. We'll go online and scroll PatPat until she finds outfits that represent her unique, developing personality. In seven short years, PatPat has amassed a group of loyal shoppers and has become a trusted companion for moms and children. This company strives to build authentic relationships with customers. PatPat hosts a thriving online community of dedicated parents who value their child’s self-image and love a bargain. Shoppers proudly post photos/videos of their fashion-forward tots with #patpat on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. NewsBreak users can enjoy an exclusive offer of “30% off on top of everything at final checkout price of $109+” with promo code "NB30". (Valid through Sept 30th, 2021. The usage of promo code is limited to 1 time per customer)

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