The Clothes We Wear

I love that the weather has finally been warm enough the last couple weeks that we have been able to spend some great time outside, both at home and with the babes at work.  For a while, I worried that it would stay too windy, too rainy, or just too chilly in general for us to let the munchkins enjoy some time on the playground.  But, we made it!

This got me thinking about the clothes that children wear to daycare/school these days, and how that might impact the children's involvement in outdoor (or even just messy indoor) activities.  Paint, mud, markers, and grass are just a few of the things used daily in our work and play that can stain clothing, not to mention the times that clothing can be snagged or pulled on and get rips.  Or even the every day wear and tear of active children on fabric.  The material doesn't even stand a chance, really.  :)

Now, I know that children as young as the ones I care for don't really think about their clothes when they are presented with an activity.  But as they get older, teacher and parent reactions to getting dirty, messy, and torn can make a child think twice about engaging in a wonderful learning opportunity out of concern for what they are wearing.  So, how do we help them not to have to worry?

Garage sales and thrift stores are great places to stock up on gently used clothing.  You get a great bargain, and since you usually pay a few dollars or less for a piece of clothing, having it get ripped or stained isn't nearly as concerning as if the clothes you paid more for are damaged.

Bargain hunt.  If second hand clothing is not for you, track the fliers for your favorite children's stores, and watch for coupons for dollars or percentages off of clothing.  Usually, you can use coupons on sale items, and increase your savings, and get brand new clothing for only slightly more than you would at a  thrift store.  :)  Also, pay attention to things like Target's Cartwheel app, or apps like RetailMeNot etc., which give you extra discounts and can often be used with paper coupons and sale items.

Designate specific outfits for days when you know there will be messy or outdoor play.  Children will learn quickly that these clothes are ones that they don't have to  be as careful with, and will be able to play without worry.

And in the end, do remember that everything washes.  There are endless sites online with tips and tricks for getting just about anything out of clothing.  (Here and here are just two available!)

So, relax and enjoy the messes and dirt.  Children are getting so much more out of their time exploring and learning, and we will miss these days of watching them learn so much all too soon.