Maybe there IS hope

I've said and heard from other moms who have young girls this exact statement: "If the styles for teens don't change, I am going to be one very unpopular mom!"

I read this article from CNN this morning and although it gave me a little hope, it made me realize that I am not too far away from possibly a heated discussion on what is appropriate for tween/teen girls to wear, with my own daughter.

I have always been a little on the overly conservative side with the way she dresses anyway. If it is inappropriate at 14 then it is therefore at 3, 4, 5 , and 6. No midriffs, short shorts, or even leopard print(that may just be a style preference), and two piece swim suits have to resemble a tankini of sorts. I absolutely refuse to allow into the house t-shirts that express rude phases. "I'm the Princess-Brat-Spoiled-Drama Queen-Diva," anything that implies that selfish or bad behavior is "cutsie."

Now don't get me wrong I am a huge fan of her having her own style. I don't really care if she matches and her stubborn will causes a big clash in style from what I think is cute on 6 year old girls and what she likes. Most days she is a blend between hippie and compound girl (if you have ever seen Big Love and know who Nikki is then you get the full picture). She may look a little like a hobo but hey, her style is VERY unique and all her own! I love that about her.

Lately she has started to branch out and I may have gotten a little lax.... She is starting to lean toward "the teenage look." That is what she calls it. It's not bad in and of itself. Not all teens dress like hookers. A pair of jeans and a cute strappy tank from Gap is one of my favorite things she wears. But now she wants to complete that ensemble with her black heels! Yes, I did let her buy them...she wanted them SO bad that she used her own money. So I let it slide and thought oh well, she sees me wear that all the time...

One recent Sunday morning she emerged in a pink sequined top(one that I had somehow failed to take to goodwill as it was about 2 sizes too small), a blue jean mini skirt (not too short and purchased one size too big b/c it had an adjustable waist), and the black heels. My mouth fell open! I quickly made up some excuse about not wanting her to wear denim to Sunday morning church(a total lie) and sent her off to change. Her reply was that I just didn't want her to look cute! I wish I had a picture to show. She looked like she was about to get in her car and head to the mall with her friends to "hang out" aka "meet boys." I made her change.

So where do we draw the line between letting children "grow up" and being a parent who is too over protective, that will no doubt lead to rebellion? Now I know she is ONLY 6, but she won't always be. And I realize that she is only mimicking. She has no clue that the way a girl dresses speaks volumes. She's is too young for that. Oh and how do I teach an age appropriate lesson in those moments...or do I? OK, now I've given myself a headache...

Any thoughts?