This article was written by Guest Blogger – Monica Lowry.
Did you ever think about investing in Gender neutral clothing for your kids?
Motherhood is a rewarding, amazingly beautiful experience.
It’s also messy, stressful, and incredibly chaotic. Everyday tasks like getting your kids ready in the morning are rarely carefully crafted productions. Most moms are splitting time between checking homework, throwing lunches together, and finding the odd sock.
The same can also be said for shopping. When you’re trying to buy new clothes for your little ones, one child doesn’t want to try anything on, and the other is hiding in and around the racks of clothes, popping out just before you frantically call for security.
Thankfully, there is one way you can simplify the two processes.
You can invest in gender neutral clothes — a movement that’s quickly gaining popularity.
Today, more child development researchers are encouraging parents to consider the benefits of gender neutral clothing.
As a result, stereotypical attire like frilly pinks for girls and dark blues and greens for boys are no longer as in demand as they once were. Instead, today’s parents are looking for pieces that are more gender ambiguous.The phenomenon was expressed by psychologist Dr. Jennifer Harstein, author of the “Princess Recovery: A How-to Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls,” in a piece for CBS New York. Harstein specifically stressed the importance of the movement not pigeonholing kids into specific gender boxes.
“If we only look at girls as being cute and pretty we really pigeonhole them and we know as they get older it can develop into eating disorders and depression and anxiety and that’s really problematic,” said Harstein.
Needless to say, the same is also true for young boys, and clothing companies are taking notice. The brand Tootsa is at the forefront of the movement, providing children with clothes that satisfy each child’s personality and creativity, regardless of their gender. Both girls and boys can purchase clothes fit for scientists, animal lovers, and mathematicians through the line. Any preconceived notions of categories saved for specific genders are discouraged, and otherwise ignored. It’s a small change, but it definitely lets every child know that they can be passionate about whatever they want, without their gender being a defining factor.
Another awesome brand to check out made locally in South Africa is Schnooky Pie.
Schnooky Pie has an intense passion for South Africa and for developing a range of clothing that is not only unique and of high quality but that is also proudly sourced and manufactured in South Africa. From the fabric used to make up their garments, to the graphic designer and pattern maker who are responsible for creating the amazing designs that we all LOVE and even down to the amazing ladies who sew the garments – they try their utmost to make sure that every step in the process of the creation of their brand remains true to its core – which is to be 100% Proudly South African (Their Mission).
Of course, there are potential social and psychological benefits to consider. But there are also everyday conveniences brought through unisex clothes. Think about how much easier it would be to pack a bag for your kids, without having to worry about who needs more sweaters and T-shirts, and how many pink and blue sock combinations you have. Plus, it can save you some money in the long run. According to Recovering Shopaholic, gender neutral clothes make for easy hand-me-downs, so you don’t have to buy two different wardrobes for every boy and girl down the line. In other words, your budget, and your sanity, will likely be in the black.
If you haven’t thought about it before, consider gender neutral clothing for your kids in the future. Gender neutral clothing can help you foster your children’s independence and build their confidence. It can also make your life a heck of a lot easier in the process. If you’re like most moms, it’s probably a welcome break!
Author Bio:
Monica Lowry is a freelance lifestyle writer with a passion for crafts, fashion, and the outdoors. This time of year you can usually find her next to a bonfire, sipping a pumpkin spice latte.
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