by Diana Dunham

Created on: April 25, 2008

First and foremost to remember is that you need to take your patience and humor with you. Preteen is a very difficult time for your daughter and image and what her friends think of her is foremost of importance to her. However as her mother and the person who will be purchasing this clothing it is equally important for you to have a say in the final result.

It is imperative that you start early in the day on a full stomach and take breaks as needed. Be sure to plan a nice lunch for the two of you and dont' be discouraged if she becomes sulky and uncooperative. However, you must not given in to this behavior and remember you are in charge.

It would be wise to start off deciding the stores you wish to venture too. Looking through sales flyers before you head out will be helpful. Insist that everything she trys on she has to show to you. Rather than freaking out when she shows you too short top or too short skirt, instead tell her what a beautiful girl she is and does she really want to show her assets in such a demeaning manor. By all means let her try on items you shudder at.. for once she sees how she looks in them chances are it'll be "her" decision not to chose that item.

And most of all, have fun with it.. You don't have to get everything in one sitting. If she becomes frustrated or rude, you can simply end the shopping trip.

Another key to shopping with your preteen is to ask her if she would like to invite a friend with her. Hopefully this friend dresses in such a way that you would like your preteen to be seen and can be an influence as well.

Once you have exhausted shopping at the mall it may be possible to convince her to shop online. She may be more comfortable trying the clothing on at home.

By all means be sure to let her get a few items that while you may not agree with them 100% you do not feel she is lowering her standards by wearing them. Truth be told she will tire of them and return to wearing what she is comfortable in. Remember a preteen girl for the most part is trying to stand out in the crowd but assure her she can do this by complimenting her assets and not cheapening herself.

Learn more about this author, Diana Dunham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.