Being a parent is all about making compromises. Your kids will usually have a different opinion on things to you and this can cause friction in the home. One of the main battles you face as the parent of a child in secondary or senior school is the constant nagging about what friends are allowed to do but they are not. There will always be someone who gets to stay out later, has more pocket money, and is allowed to stay with friends on school nights, amongst many other things. This doesn’t mean you have to give in to your kids’ pleas and let them do whatever they want, far from it. If you have specific boundaries you want to keep, then stick to them but allow some level of negotiation and compromise within these.
Parents of teenage girls especially will be all too familiar with the fashion parade that is the school gate. Variations on the prescriptive school uniform policy are many and imaginative and different families will allow more adaptation than others. Some girls of course make their alterations on their outfits on the way to school leaving parents in the dark about their antics as a fashionista. The way to avoid being deceived is to open communication about what your daughter wants, and how you, and the school, want them to dress. Making small compromises will give them some level of control and make it less likely that they will go behind your back on the issue.
One of the ways you can allow your daughter a bit of freedom, whilst still remaining within the rulebook, is to find uniform that is cut in a more flattering way. The boxy unisex shirts of old are still available, but to a teenage girl who is awkward about her body anyway this are akin to wearing a sack. You can find some great slightly fitted shirts, designed for young ladies, in uniform shops, supermarkets, such as
George at Asda, and department stores. These are the type of shirt ladies would wear to an interview and are smart yet flattering. If your daughter attends a school where blazers are a requirement then shop around to find one that flatters rather than swamps her frame. This need not be a major expense and you can find some great
school blazers from ASDA George.
Hair and makeup occupy the thoughts of most teenage girls at least a few times a day. Makeup is usually banned in schools, but a little light foundation can save embarrassment for those who are prone to teenage acne. Tell your daughter if she must wear make up to keep it to a light base and mascara, most teachers will overlook this and only punish those who flaunt the rule to the extreme.
Secondary school is a place for learning, but growing up is both painful and difficult and much of a teenager’s time is spent trying to avoid embarrassment. If you discuss and compromise with your daughter she is less likely to spend her school day fussing over fashion and worrying about what her peers think, and spend more time getting on with her work.
Have a great day! xx
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