As Spring arrives, it’s time for that cherished tradition of moms and daughters embarking on a quest for the ideal prom dress. Just imagine how fun that can be–an entire day of bonding. Until it’s not.
Don’t get me wrong, it is exciting. It’s just important to remember that it can also be overwhelming, so try not to put too much pressure on it. To ensure that you both enjoy it and you survive the process, try to keep it light and void of a power struggle.
The experience of shopping for a prom dress can elicit a range of emotions, from excitement and frustration to fear and even depression for some girls. Since we don’t want to add to that, here are a few tips to make it a great day.
1. Let her try it on
Even if a dress has sheer panels and too many cutouts for your liking, put it in the dressing room and let her have fun with the dress-up process. However, remember that compromise is key, and you’ll probably want her to try on dresses that she may initially find too plain. While you don’t have to say yes to the dress, it’s crucial to discuss where you both draw the line, especially if she becomes attached to a particular gown after trying on many others. Ultimately, your daughter will likely know what looks good on her, so you need to know what you’re willing to spring for.
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2. Have her try several types
Encourage your daughter to try on various types of dresses, from short and sassy to long and elegant, solid colors to bold prints, and different styles like single-strap or halter. Don’t be afraid to grab a prom dress that doesn’t look impressive on the hanger. Instead, pick out five completely different styles that showcase her unique personality and allow her to experiment with what works best for her height and body shape. Let’s get this dress-up party started!
3. Listen to the sales staff
Picture this: you’re browsing the prom dress section when suddenly, a salesperson brings over a dress that catches your eye. It’s not something your daughter would typically choose for herself, but you secretly love it! Encourage your daughter to be adventurous and try on the dress, but keep in mind that it should still meet practical needs. After all, she needs to be able to breathe, move around, and even use the bathroom in her chosen outfit.
4. Know your budget
Prom dresses can be crazy expensive. Believe me, no dress will ever compare to the gorgeous twice-your-budget dress that your girl tries on. That conversation is best had before dress shopping and while picking out the dresses to try on. You don’t want her falling in love with a dress that she just can’t have. That won’t go well for either of you.
5. Focus on fit, not size
Let’s talk about something that many of us dread when it comes to shopping: the sizing struggle! To make things easier, grab a few different sizes for your daughter to try on. Keep in mind that dress sizes aren’t standardized, so while one dress may fit her perfectly, the same size dress from another brand could be too big or small. There are different types of sizing, such as Juniors, Misses, Petite, and Xtra, so don’t get hung up on the number. Your daughter may be sensitive about this so focus on how the dress looks on her rather than the number on the tag. Prom dresses can be like bathing suits, not always making us feel our best in those dreadful fitting rooms with bad lighting and items that may be too tight.
6. Bring shoes!
They don’t have to be the ones she’s going to wear on the big night, but they’ll help you gauge whether the prom dress needs hemming and how it looks with varying heel heights. It’s also a good idea to bring a few different bra styles to try on with the dresses to see what works best. And remember, this is a fun time to play dress-up with your daughter and enjoy each other’s company.
When she finds the right dress and you see her in the full-length mirror –wow, that’s a moment to savor right there.
DANA BAKER-WILLIAMS
If you’re going to thrive in today’s crazy world, I believe you need to bring your whole self to the table: your personality, your sense of humor, and most importantly, your heart. All of these elements brought me to start Parenting In Real Life, my parent and teen coaching.
I’m a mom of two amazing kids, one of whom has struggled with ADHD, anxiety and depression. Watching this as a parent can be heartbreaking and feels singular. I had nowhere to turn and i was totally overwhelmed. When we finally put the pieces together and got our daughter some help, everything changed for her. But I still didn’t have someone who could teach me how to parent more effectively. It was trial and error on the emotional dysregulation, the panic attacks, and the lack of executive functioning. There was no handbook.
I vowed then that other parents should NOT have to be that scared, overwhelmed, and alone. And kids and teens shouldn’t feel alone, stupid, disconnected or “less than”. Now I am in the position to help parents and teens alike. I help other 2e families find calm in the chaos, connect with their kids, and bring peace and joy back into the family dynamic. I give parents the tools and support they need to communicate and parent more effectively. Simple shifts and techniques will allow you to parent with confidence and handle the challenges with grace and set your kids up for success with life skills, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Bring the joy back in your family, book a call now. https://www.parentinginreallife.org/bookings-checkout/book-a-free-consult/book
