I’m sorry you’ll never have anything brand new.
As the baby in a family of three girls, I was always decked out in hand-me-downs. Whatever my older sisters wore—whether it was trendy, torn, or just plain outdated—became my wardrobe. I was perpetually seven years behind in fashion, wearing shoes and clothing that had seen better days. From riding secondhand bicycles to sporting tap shoes that were well-used, I often felt like a relic from another era, carrying a Wonder Woman lunchbox long after the character faded from popularity.
It was frustrating. I would often stroll through toy aisles and clothing racks, dreaming of any new item—socks, hair accessories—anything that wasn’t worn out.
I promised myself that when I had my own children, my youngest would not face the same fate. No more patched-up pants, faded shirts, mismatched pajamas, or superhero underwear with holes. I vowed my last child would enjoy the same luxuries as the eldest, complete with a selection of shiny new toys and clothes.
Then I had four sons. Yes, four! How could I not save everything for reuse?
So, I did. Now, my youngest is wearing shorts that date back to 1999. In fact, as I was folding laundry recently, I stumbled upon a shirt with four different family names crossed off the tag—meaning it had been passed down through four different children before landing in my hands. This shirt could potentially be on its eighth kid. Talk about a parenting win!
I don’t feel a hint of shame that my youngest slept in a crib that was previously used, wore cloth diapers that had been through years of wear, and played with toys that were already a decade old. Those pristine $65 Stride Rite shoes I bought for my firstborn? They are now on my youngest’s feet. He’s pushed around worn-out cars, sipped from cracked sippy cups, and played tee-ball in stained baseball pants and old cleats. He’s even donned Halloween costumes from his older brothers and carried backpacks that were monogrammed with their names.
Do I feel guilty about my hand-me-down kid? Absolutely not. It’s so much simpler to unpack a box of clothes and toys than to drag a kid through a shopping trip. Plus, think of the savings! That translates into more lattes for me!
As for my little one, he takes it all in stride. When I do treat him to something new, he is genuinely appreciative, understanding the value of items and that they aren’t simply disposable. He grasps the concept of repurposing and knows that when we save, we gain. His gratitude is something that often eludes his more privileged older brothers. That, perhaps, is the best outcome of having a child who is used to hand-me-downs.
And all the money I’ve saved? I now know exactly where it’s heading. It’ll be spent on bows, tutus, tea sets, baby dolls, and shiny black patent leather Mary Janes for my first granddaughter. That’s the true joy of grandchildren: ensuring one little girl will never have to wear hand-me-downs.
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In Summary
Being a hand-me-down kid comes with its own set of lessons and advantages. It teaches gratitude and appreciation for what we have, and while it may not be the newest, it certainly carries a lot of history.