5 Tips To Maximize Your Child’s Wardrobe During Seasonal Change

While the Northern Hemisphere prepares to ditch winter clothing in preparation for the warmer summer months, here in the Southern Hemisphere we are doing exactly the opposite.

Living here in southern Queensland, Australia, we experience relatively stable seasons. Therefore, it is not uncommon for certain garments used during one season to not be needed again until the following year.

As adults, the no-frills approach to a new season may involve simply resurrecting last year's pieces and rearranging them at the front of your wardrobe. Any change in certain clothes is usually dictated more by fashion or personal preferences than by "fit" (unless, of course, we have gained or lost a few kilos!).

Now, when it comes to growing children, the change of season often dictates a totally different approach. Depending on each child and her age, they will grow at different rates from one year to the next. The impact of this growth on an existing wardrobe can range from the need for a "partial" alteration (where most clothes still "fit"), up to and including the situation where a "full overhaul" is necessary. (where practically everything has become small).

Especially when the latter situation occurs, one of the first reactions to this sudden discovery may be panic and stress (especially if you are the parent responsible for finding and financing these “modifications”).

So, “BEFORE” you whip out your credit card and run out shopping with your panicked kid(s), here are 5 practical tips to consider to save your bag and your sanity:

1. INVEST TIME

To review each child's existing wardrobe. If the idea of this task is stressful for either party, consider breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. (That is, focus on one child's wardrobe at a time and/or divide the exercise over several sessions or days. For example, spend 15 to 30 minutes per session on a particular section. Perhaps jumpers in one session and pants long in the next, etc.)

2. AVOID GUESSING 

Whether an item fits you or not. This includes “calculated guessing,” which is the exercise of “holding an object” against the body. If it has been several months since a child has worn an item of clothing, take the time to physically try on each item. You'll be surprised how accurate your assessment will be if you base your judgments on practical evidence rather than calculated guesses.

3. If you have children of the same sex, consider WORKING THROUGH THEIR CLOSETS, FROM THE OLDEST TO THE SMALLEST.

 Working this way means that “used” or items that no longer fit an older sibling can be passed down to younger siblings and included in the items to be tried on, along with their current wardrobe

Younger siblings may find themselves with an “instantly new” (to them) wardrobe. 2. Minimizing any child's wardrobe requirements can result in significant time and money savings.

4. KEEP ONLY THOSE ITEMS 

That you (and particularly your child) are sure your child will use. Depending on your child's age, personality, and maturity, if they seem uncomfortable wearing a particular item, ask them to consider whether they feel they will wear it or not. If the answer is a resounding “no,” or if your body language conveys the same message, seriously consider eliminating that item of clothing from your closet. 

No matter how attached another person may be to a piece of clothing, if the person to whom it belongs is not going to wear it, the truth is that it will probably end up taking up space and energy in a closet. Learning to respect your child's preferences and choices is an exercise that will not only save you headaches in the long run, but also your well-earned money.

5. SELL OR DONATE 

Clothing items that cannot be used by family members or direct relatives. Occasionally there may be an item that has particular sentimental value that you may want to keep as a “souvenir.” However, for the most part, clothing serves its purpose when it is worn and worn. If an item is no longer used in its current location, why not let someone else experience this pleasure? 

Not only is it a wonderful feeling to be able to give something to another person, but it can also be an extremely freeing feeling to not only clear your physical space, but also clear the emotional energy associated with holding on to something that is not. fulfilling its purpose.

Although the tips above require an investment of time and energy up front, your efforts will be well rewarded in both the short and long term. Have accurate information about your child's existing wardrobe long before you decide.