Oct. 5, 2023
As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to tackle another important shopping task: refreshing your tween’s wardrobe. Before you head out, gather those unused gift cards so you can afford to get your child the trendy outfits they’ll need as fall arrives.
This means preparing for a trip to the mall that will be significantly different from your solo shopping excursions for that perfect pair of yoga pants. Shopping with your tween involves navigating through a whirlwind of stores to find clothes that are stylish, affordable, and suitable for their evolving tastes—all while trying to ensure they cover all the necessary areas.
You’ll likely find yourself in vibrant stores that feel like sensory overload or in dimly lit boutiques that make you nostalgic for shopping at J.C. Penney. And let’s not forget the challenge of connecting with a kid who would rather keep her headphones in than chat about fashion choices. For all the parents who could use a little guidance on this journey, here’s a fun quiz to help set the mood for your shopping trip.
Quiz: How to Prepare for Shopping with Your Tween
- Before hitting the mall, you:
- a. Enthusiastically tell your tween that shopping is a bonding experience—no eye rolls allowed!
- b. Remind your kid that the main goal is to shop for clothes, not snacks at Auntie Anne’s.
- c. Ask your tween to clean up her room to see what she really needs.
- d. Stay quiet.
Correct answer: d. As a parent of a tween, you know that less is more! (But if you’re feeling bold, option b might be the way to go.)
- Once you arrive at the store, you:
- a. Follow your tween everywhere, even as she attempts to escape you.
- b. Find a cozy spot to sit down and scroll through social media while she browses.
- c. Stand outside the store, only moving for a delicious pretzel.
- d. Start biting your nails in anticipation.
Correct answer: Trick question! None of the above. Your tween will likely act like she’s shopping alone, regardless of how cool you think you are. (If the day is dragging on, then option c is your best bet.)
- When your tween decides to try on a few outfits, you:
- a. Join her in the dressing room, eager to give feedback.
- b. Wait just outside the door, asking her how everything looks.
- c. Channel your inner sitcom mom and shout advice from the hallway.
- d. Bite your nails while wishing the pricey items won’t fit.
Correct answer: None of the above! Another trick question! Tweens prefer to navigate dressing rooms solo.
- When your tween discovers a piece she loves, you:
- a. Agree it’s fabulous but secretly hope she doesn’t buy it.
- b. Pretend to dislike it, hoping she wants it more.
- c. Point out its flaws, only to be told you ruin everything.
- d. Say nothing and hand over your credit card.
Correct answer: d. Just remind her of your budget before she adds that trendy item to the pile. This often leads to her reluctantly putting it back on the rack, grumbling under her breath.
After your shopping adventure, you might feel triumphant while your tween fixates on the one item she couldn’t get. The drive home could be filled with silence and the occasional glare at traffic lights. But don’t feel too guilty; new shoes will be needed soon enough. By that time, you’ll have mastered the art of shopping with your child. Pro tip: Suggest your partner take on the next shopping mission—good luck to them!
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Summary
Shopping with your tween can be a unique and challenging experience filled with ups and downs. Understanding their preferences and navigating the mall together can turn a daunting task into a memorable outing. Keep the lines of communication open, set clear expectations, and don’t forget to engage with your partner in future shopping duties!