When it comes to little girls dressing modestly, where do you draw the line? I personally think it's wise to teach them correct standards of modesty from a young age. If you don't want them wearing spaghetti straps as teenagers, you probably shouldn't allow them to wear them as a young child. I admit, my daughter has a few less-than-modest outfits, but only a couple. Since I made up my mind about this a few months ago, I bought a couple of white blouses that she'll wear under the strappy shirts and dresses to keep her modest. I feel that if I start with her when she's young, she'll be less likely to fight me about it when she's older. That said, it's hard to avoid shorter shorts for young girls, but I'm thinking of pairing shorter skirts with leggings while she's young (out when she's a teen--I think it looks ridiculous for someone over 12).
Any thoughts? Do you think how you dress your daughters when they are little will have an affect on the choices they make as a teenager? Or do you think I'm being ridiculously strict?
7 comments:
Jenna, I totally agree with you. I love how cute some of the sleeveless dresses and stuff are, but I tend to always put a shirt underneath. I think it's cute on little girls, but I think the same way. It's just easier to teach them modesty at a young age.
I wanted to add that it goes for our sons also--we don't let them wear tank tops without a white T-shirt underneath.
I'm OCD about sleeveless stuff so I don't expect anyone to think the way I do. After 1 year old no more sleeveless stuff. That being said, what sleeveless stuff they have is minimum. I never buy it, it's usually gifts. I had too many friends that had to toss half of their wardrobes when they went through the temple.
I had lots of friends too who had to get all new clothes after going through the temple. I didn't. I think I got rid of one pair of shorts that didn't quite make it all the way to my knees, but were past mid-thigh. My parents were pretty strict about sleeveless. I wore sleeveless button down shirts as vests in the 90s (when vests were popular).
I guess I am somewhere in the middle about this. No hard and fast rules with my girls yet. For sure no spaghetti-strap type shirts, NO bakinis or even 2 piece and none of the hideous halter-top style shirts. I don't mind sleeveless too much though for now as long as it's a thick strap and high enough. No super-short shorts though. I totally see the point in teaching them young and while I am all for modesty, I think there is something special about going to the Temple and throwing out few (and just a few) things- kind of makes it mean more I think. Does that make any sense? I teach my girls modesty but am not nazi about it. I think we as moms have to choose our battles wisely and I think a tank-top is not going to hurt too much.
You're not alone. We're pretty strict about it too. My girls have a few tanktops and things, but they are only allowed to wear them with something underneath, or to bed. They have a few pairs of shorter shorts, but they don't wear them for school, only play. And if a shirt shows their belly, it gets passed on. Modesty is a big issue for us. I was actually glad that my parents always emphasized it, because it was never an issue for me!
Agree! I came to a realization about this a few years ago, mostly because I want my OLDER daughters to see that we always dress modestly. Even on my baby girls, I don't do sleeveless because I feel like my older ones will notice. I put a cute little white onesie or something on under a sleeveless dress, etc. That way they will always know our expectations and see good examples.
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