The Trickle Down Effect

**This is a soapboxy post. It is simply my feelings for my family. If you do things differently with your family that is totally your prerogative.I'm not posting this to tell my readers who have different thoughts and opinions on the subject that they're wrong. It's a reminder to myself to look back on the reasons why we do what we do for our family.

My children were home schooled for five years. In that time, not a word was said about fashion or clothes -- unless something was too small or uncomfortable. Then a funny thing happened, Bub was going to start high school. Even though they have really nice uniforms, I was told (by him) that he needed clothing with particular names.

A long and in depth discussion ensued. Why did he need certain names? Was it so that he could be popular? Was it so that he could conform to everyone else?  Would it make him cool? There were answers in response -- some good ones and some not. In the end, we allowed the "brand name" clothing to have a place in our home. It was under the agreement that the clothing did not "make the man". We have tried to instill particular Christian morals and values into our children. If the clothing they wear compromises those morals and values, it would not be purchased (to begin with) or ever worn again if it somehow made it into our home without our knowledge. (I hope not!)

That being settled, I told him that I was not going to purchase this type of clothing new. The t-shirts are usually thin and worn looking before they even make it into the wash the first time around -- although (surprisingly) so far they're standing up well to multiple washes. Generally speaking, the sweatshirts aren't a whole lot better. I'm also disappointed that these "brand names"  are not made in North America, but instead in third world and/or developing countries where the workers often work for a mere dollar a day. That is the other reason why I will not buy brand new. Yes, I know, what exactly is made in North America -- and if it isn't is made here, how many of the manufacturers take into consideration fair wages for the workers in third world or developing countries? And if my kids are wearing it, aren't they still promoting those brands? The answer is I don't know, I don't know, and yes. I could put my foot down and say no to these name brands, but at the same time I do understand my children's desire to fit in with their peers. Not stand out, yet not conform, but to be a part of the masses. I don't care if they want to be part of the masses, but when they are called to stand up and stand out, they had better do so!

Thus followed the what I call the trickle down effect. Peach gets beautiful hand-me-downs from a lovely family in our church. Guess what was in them the last time? Yes, name brand clothes. If Peach can wear them, the two younger sisters started clamouring that they should be allowed to wear them too. *Sigh* What's a mother to do? Now the four oldest all have name brand clothes purchased from various thrift stores. (I can't believe the finds we have scored in the past couple of months)! I am not fond of it at all on Squirt. I'd still like her to wear sweet T's with ice cream cones or penguins (after all, she's only eight years old) -- and she does, but not as often because she likes her other shirts too. Thankfully, the Wee Three have no clue yet, but I'm sure they'll catch on quick enough!

So the the trickle down effect has entered our home. We now own popular brand name clothes. I never thought it would happen, but since it has, I am thankful that it hasn't come with a huge hit to my wallet. Thank you to all of you who donate to the thrift stores. It makes my children happy which makes their mama happy :o).

One final note: There is one brand I will not let enter our home under any circumstances. It is the A*ber*rombie and F*tch brand. Some of their clothing is purely unacceptable and racy and their advertisements are often not a whole lot better.  See here for an older article and here for their most recent scandal. You don't even want to get me started on swimsuits! Triangle top bikinis on a little girl on a good day make me ill, but triangle tops to give little girls something they're not supposed to have yet could put me in the emergency room!

Anyways, I'll dust off my soapbox now. If your opinion is different than mine that is okay, and if you must say something, please be nice.