Back To School Shopping Tips With A Teen

Natalie returns to school this week so we went back to school shopping. 

It's always an experience.

She doesn't always like the items I suggest. She generally has the look of someone breathing in a stinky fart whenever I show her a top I think is cute. 

She also likes to reach for pricey items. 

To survive back to school shopping, I came up with some tips.  

Don't Forget The Jewelry 

Jewelry can make an outfit. Your teen might immediately go for the clothes, but remind them that they complete a look with beautiful gold earrings or rings. They'll probably give you a Look, but will thank you for the suggestion later. Plus they can wear the jewelry many times with various outfits, so it's something your teen will always have. 

Have patience

Teenagers have all sorts of moods. Most of them are ones that'll make your skin prickle with annoyance. Remember that it'll pass. For example, I thought this shirt was stylish from Kohl's and that Natalie would look fabulous in it. But when I showed her she looked horrified. I ask, what's wrong with this top? Who doesn't like NYC? The colors are fine? Okay, whatevs..

Set limits 

If your child has enough jeans, let them know not to be looking at those. Have enough shoes? Nope, put those Nikes back. Make sure your kid knows what they are in need of. Mind you, if you have a daughter, that's trickier because no matter how many tops they have, it never seems to be enough. This includes perfumes, lipsticks, shoes, socks, bows, etc...

Don't get offended

I remember when my daughter would wear whatever I'd set out for her. She did this up until fifth grade. Then suddenly she was like, "Ugh, that's ugly, I'm not wearing it," and I was like, "What? What's wrong with this shirt with a kitten on it?" I had to remind myself that as she grows, her style will be evolving and that I needed to step back and let her choose. 

Set a budget

If you only plan on spending $100, mention that so your child can budget. They'll know if they get those $60 pair of jeans that they only have $40 left. It doesn't matter if they want the expensive pants plus various shirts and shoes--once the budget is gone, it's gone. Hold firm. 

This Too Shall Pass

It can feel like you've run a marathon after shopping with a teen--the kind where you have to crawl in the mud and climb up walls. But one day it'll be normal again. 

One day they'll be able to go shopping on their own. 

This post is sponsored by Responsival. My opinions are my own.