A *serious* dilemma

[Happy Now]

We are headed out to the apple orchard today to pick some apples. Great fun with my boys and their Nana (my Mom) in from out of town!

However, my youngest got dressed this morning, by himself... In a completely non-photo-worthy TEAL Lego Ninjago t-shirt. And sort-of matching royal blue athletic shorts.

Do I celebrate his independence and the fact that he got dressed himself? Or do I lovingly suggest a wardrobe change since the pictures. won't. look. good.?

Such a dilemma.

[MommaTrish]

lol! I'd gently offer some other clothes alternatives, but not push them if he's dead-set on what he is wearing.

[MamaBee]

haha... that is where black and white photos becomes your friend...

However, in my house, I'd be... "yeah... you aren't wearing that..." That has happened a lot and now my kiddo has learned how to match his clothes... haha

[carrie1977]

Yeah...if we are going somewhere public I always pick out my kids clothes. LOL!

[misfitinmn]

For going to a place where I know I kind of want to leave the pics in color when I scrap them (like the apple orchard/pumpkin patch!), I gently suggest an outfit change (I am not above bribing my kids to do this...lol!). But if he SERIOUSLY resisted, I'd not fight that battle. My method with my 5 year old is to mention in the morning that we're going to the pumpkin patch (or whatever!) and ask if he maybe wants to wear the pumpkin shirt/something orange or a matchy color. If he says no, I will bribe. If he starts to scream about it, I guess I just accept my pics won't match. :P lol!

[lovely1m]

If I'm taking photos, I tell him what to wear and ask him to change. If its a normal day with no big photos, then he can decide. I usually lay out his clothes for him.

[glumirk]

It may be too late, but sometimes when that is the case I let my son wear the nicer button-up shirt over it, and tell him that other pants will be more appropriate for the activity. When we are done he can wear what he wants.

[pewtertm]

If we're going out specifically to take pics, I will lay out Rachel's clothes ahead of time. If we're doing a family activity that I want to get pics at, and she dresses in something...unappealing...I've learned to let it go. I might suggest an alternative, but if she balks (as usual), I go along with what she picks. After all, the point of the outing is to have fun, and getting into an argument over clothes would put a damper on it. In a pinch, I just use b/w photos.

[Trista]

I usually let my kids where what they want and take a change of clothes. Wearing the nicer shirt over another unattractive shirt has worked in the past too. We have had many wardrobe changes in the car!

[thompsonc2007]

Originally Posted by MamaBee

haha... that is where black and white photos becomes your friend...

However, in my house, I'd be... "yeah... you aren't wearing that..." That has happened a lot and now my kiddo has learned how to match his clothes... haha

This is me too Kiddo is 4 and has input but Mama has veto power Hope you guys have fun!

[rach3975]

I try to make sure to lay out their clothes ahead of time for an outing where I know I'll want photos, or at least help them choose. (My boys let me pick, my 4 year old daughter has a very strong fashion sense and must be involved in choosing her own outfit.) If anyone gets dressed without my input I suggest a change but let it go if they resist. Much as I love my photos to match, I'd rather have good memories captured in the photos than well-coordinated but grumpy children. The exception is if we're going out specifically to get photos for a holiday card or something. Then I bribe for cooperation, and the mom-approved outfit is part of cooperating.

[marnel]

Originally Posted by carrie1977

Yeah...if we are going somewhere public I always pick out my kids clothes. LOL!

Ditto that and I love when my 11 yr old asks, do you think I did a good job?

[nun69]

I think it might be too late, but if he is willing to change then let him, if not convert them to B&W

[Happy Now]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I KNEW I'd be among friends on this issue! I remember when DH met me, with the boys, at our last Santa visit. And my youngest was wearing a football shirt. A YELLOW football shirt. That may have even been a hand-me-down from older brother. DH does not, but I was certain that all of you would understand.

A gentle suggestion worked, clothes were changed, apples were picked, photos were taken, and a good time was had by all!!

[clearskies]

Originally Posted by Happy Now

DH does not, but I was certain that all of you would understand.

LOL. My DH has learned to ask what color he needs to wear before he gets dressed....
He's well trained.

[misfitinmn]

Oh, I understand. My husband let my two year old pick out his own clothes. He's TWO. He doesn't know. I actually think my 5 year old does better picking out his own clothes (matching wise) than his father does.