Kids dress in church

[Tina]

Originally Posted by Cindy

I know some can't afford to dress up much, but if they are neat and clean that should be all that matters.

You'd be surprised how many nice, name brand kids clothes are found at yard sales and thrift stores. (Not everyone would admit that they shop there though.. LOL ) I am proud to say that there are very few items in my son's closet that I paid more than $5 for... In fact, I found a suit for him at a thrift store recently for $8-- complete with the vest and matching tie. There isn't a pair of dress slacks or a dress shirt here that I paid more than $2 for. I bought my son 5 pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans off craigslist for $3 a pair. People just have to know where to shop. Let someone pay the high prices-- I'll gladly buy things they donate to a thrift shop or put up for sale on craigslist.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Of course neat, clean and clothes that fit is most important! LOL!!! We apply that to all clothes, both dressy and casual. There are times when dressy is appropriate, like weddings, funerals, business meetings, and some church services. There are times when it's okay to be casual, ultra casual, or maybe just business casual. Children need to learn how to be appropriate for any occasion. That's just as important as teaching them to be courteous and use proper etiquette at the dinner table, IMO.

Not everything children learn should be just about their immediate comfort. Many things need to be about teaching them to interact successfully in society and in their culture.

Also, I think we SHOULD care what others think of our appearance, to some extent. Men look on the outward appearance--that's just human nature--and first impressions are lasting impressions. Our attire should be inoffensive. We should be neat and clean. If we put someone off with our appearance, they're probably not going to give us a chance to form a friendship with them. (talking about unbelievers here)

Look at the people in the polygamist sect...their appearance is very off putting to the general public. I doubt they get many opportunities to witness to the average unbeliever. To some extent, we need to fit in. And dressing sloppy or TOO casual is not always the way to do that.

I don't want my children to feel that it doesn't matter how others perceive them, or that they can dress however they want anywhere they want, because it DOES matter how others perceive them, and it is offensive and selfish to always do things "my way."