Girl Wonder wore these shoes to church today. She really wanted to, but didn’t think I’d let her. She was surprised, no – relieved, and grateful that I said ok. I was rewarded with a hug and a very sweet “Thank you, Mama.”
My girl has clothing issues.
In a perfect world for my child, she’d be able to wear one of her dad’s oversized t-shirts over a pair of “comfy” panties and with crocs on her feet. For every occasion. I can just see her on her wedding day…
That’s what she is wearing right now (minus the crocs). We are home from church and have no plans to go anywhere or see anyone today, so when she changed from her dress to dad’s shirt, I bit my tongue.
In fact, I’ve been trying to do that more often when it comes to her clothes.
Here are her clothing rules:
1. All clothing items must be loose.
2. Layers are prohibited.
3. Long sleeves will not be tolerated.
4. Any fabric is fine as long as it is a stretchy jersey knit in the correct weight and softness.
5. No jeans allowed. Ever.
6. Do not even speak the word “jeans” in her presence.
7. Capris are much preferred to pants.
8. Shorts are much preferred to capris.
9. Tennis shoes will only be worn to school on PE days.
10. Crocs or flip flops are acceptable footwear for any occasion.
11. Cool weather clothes are to be endured only if she feels like it.
12. An item of clothing may go from tolerable to intolerable without notice.
13. Everything must feel right even if she can not articulate how.
14. Shoes shall be worn as little as possible.
Violation of these rules will result in tears at best, hyperventilation at worst.
Girl Wonder has been working on it and she has made a lot of progress. I am very proud of her. Rule 9, for example, used to be “The enforced wearing of tennis shoes will result in vigorous and angry tears.” Now she wears them with no problems… when she has to.
But we are moving across the country next month and the stress is taking its toll on her. She is having a harder time dealing with her wardrobe issues. I’ve decided to give her more leeway with her clothing until we are settled in out new home.
Even if she wears crocs in the snow.
Even I have to wash her favorite pants every night.
Even if she looks silly.
Even so…
It’s really hard.
[...] deal? Nope, it’s a huge deal. My girl has always had “issues” with her clothes. I can’t count the number times a tiny wrinkle in her sock caused her to come completely [...]