We don’t spend too much time worrying about the “right outfit” in our house. We kind of go with the basics: Is it clean? Does it fit?

What is the right outfit anyway?? The newest trend? The most expensive? The coolest name brand? Sporty? Preppy? Trendy? The most comfortable? The right outfit is probably in the eye of the beholder. The right outfit probably changes by the day or occasion.

I am embarrassed to admit it, but I have spent some time worrying about what others will think about me as a parent, when my child is dressed in a nontraditional outfit. What will school think if I let my child wear a tank top in February? What will my fellow parishioners think if my child has shorts on for church? Will God love my child less if he shows up for church in shorts? Certainly not! Will a tank top in February interfere with my child’s learning – nope! Yet, this, what will they think concern has been on my mind before. The good news is: I am over it (well, mostly)!! I realized I don’t need to worry about what others think. It’s not about me! It’s about my children and what is best for them!

My children are kind, honest and respectful. They do well in school. When challenges come up (and they do) my children work at the challenges. We work as a family to communicate regularly (sometimes a little too much!!) and we love each other! When it comes down to it, what my child is wearing has no significance when compared to the things that really matter in our family. When I am feeling concerned about my child’s outfit or the what will they think thought creeps up; I try to remember the important things!

So... Do the clothes make the child? I say no, but I know people are judged by their clothing all the time. If I am being honest, I have judged a few books by their cover. I do know that children (and we adults) are more than just an outfit. I want my kids to know that they are worthy of love, kindness, respect and so much more - no matter what they wear.

The book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown has a great chapter on wholehearted Parenting. I feel like the parenting manifesto from her book fits here. Check in out!!

http://brenebrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DaringGreatly-ParentingManifesto-light-8x10.pdf