My girls are older teens now and almost ready to leave home and start home and families of their own. It’s been a joy to be their mom and watch them grow into fine young women – unique in their own way. I love my girls.
My oldest is all girl. She has always loved girlie stuff. Pink. Dresses. A big “spin factor” was a must when she was little. If the skirt flew out and made a big “circle” when she’d spin we’d say it had a good spin factor. She liked to spin. A lot. She still, at age nineteen, still likes her skirts long and full. But she doesn’t use the term spin factor anymore. At least not in public.
My next girls is all girl too, but with a twist. Since she loved running, action and movement, full skirts and dresses didn’t always work best for her. She loves looking and dressing feminine, but isn’t opposed to choosing something that might be a more “practical” option if needed for her more active lifestyle. The funny thing is, my girls still share a lot of their clothing. So although they each have a definite style, they enjoy trying new things. I like that.
Recently we were watching some old video of them doing a skit and singing for a retirement home that we visit every week. We laughed so hard because, when they were young, I pretty much let them decide what they wanted to wear within appropriate guidelines for the event or whatever. In their younger years, when they were developing their style choices, they weren’t as, um, how shall I say it nicely, savvy about it as they are now. I’m getting a good scolding from my girls now when they look at those photos and videos but I wouldn’t change a thing because I think it is exactly because I gave them some freedoms when they were young and let their own tastes develop over the course of their young lives. Maybe I was wrong – but I don’t think so.
I can’t wait to see, as they have children of their own, how their styles change through early motherhood, etc. And then to watch my grandchildren, girls in particular, grow in uniqueness. I’m thankful for some of the faithful stores, like J.C. Penny, where my kids can find clothing to fit each of their individual styles.
More info on jcpenney: http://www.jcpenney.com
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”