let them be little.

*my mission statement (if you will) when it comes to parenting*

let them play with dolls.or trucks.or whatever it is that makes them happy. but let them play.

don't teach them to be obsessed with weight,or looks,or their hair. don't tell them they aren't smart enough. or pretty enough. or good enough. tell them they are everything. anything. the sky's the limit.

don't demonstrate the behavior that their self worth depends on what someone else thinks of them.

let them know it's wonderful to be SMART. that playing dumb/ditzy/cutesy isn't cute. i remember reading a survey of elementary age children a few years back. the question was, is it better to be smart or sexy?

overwhelmingly? the response was sexy.

tell them that class and elegance and grace and BRAINS? that trumps sexy any day.

dress your girls like little GIRLS. not women. not teenagers. why in the world is there even a tee-shirt made in child size that says "made you look"? why are there teensy hoochie clothes at almost all the stores now?

it's not that i dress my girls in "little house on the prairie" chic....i mean, we all know harper loves her skinny jeans. but dress your kids like KIDS for pete's sake. WHY WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO LOOK SEXY? it enrages me.

i say NO. hell no. to these things that are available for CHILDREN. i say no to booty shorts, low rise jeans,padded bras (FOR KIDS???? YES I'm YELLING),slogans across the chest,"juicy" on the booty.

there are so many good points brought up in this article.

the title of it? Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps.

i could have written that myself. heck, i wish i would have.

let your children be children.

 

right now is the time for sticky hands, muddy toes,make believe,fairy tales,imagination,finger paint.

 

heartbreak,fear,wanting to look a certain way, insecurities,"does my butt look too big in these jeans?"...that comes later.

i know for a fact that we are going to argue over clothes one day.

just as my daddy used to say to me "isn't that a little short?" with a raised eyebrow...we'll say the same to our girls.

and they will huff and puff and roll their eyes to the heavens and stomp and sigh and gnash their terrible teenage teeth,

but they will leave the house with their dignity in tact.

and then said dignity will probably be stuffed into a backpack and they will do the old switcharoo...i know b/c i invented that trick...

but that's later.

now?

let them be little.

be a mommy to them. not their best friend. you don't need their approval. you don't need to be frightened of hurting their feelings if you tell them NO.

don't be deterred what all the other kids parents are doing. that has nothing to do with you. with your beliefs.

stand strong. love strong. hug strong.

what you are doing,teaching,demonstrating...

will have a huge impact on the women they become.

and even when they are having those brief lapses of judgement, those ugh-look-what-my-mom-made-me-wear-but-don't-worry-i-have-something-cooler-in-my-backpack-moments, may they maintain grace,class,composure,and BRAINS in that teensy miniskirt.

 

i know that i'll be keeping MY composure by remembering the years when lacy socks,patent leather soes,and smocked dresses were the clothing of choice.

yes, let them be little. :)

p.s. aren't the dresses BEAUTIFUL? i mean, they are truly the prettiest dresses we've ever owned. my amazingly talented friend maggie made them. did i mention she's amazing?

 

Comments

[C. Rayevich]

this made me smile for many reasons!!
I couldn't agree with you more, this is how we have tryed to raise our daughter too.
Happy Easter!
xo

[Margaret]

Agree, Agree, Agree!!! VERY WELL PUT Stephanie!!!
Great pictures too!!! Happy Easter!!!

[nicole]

wonderful!

[Jen Thompson]

Oh I LOVE this Steph and agree 100% with everything you are saying. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only mother out there that doesn't want their 5 year old wearing sexy clothes meant for 18 year olds for goodness sakes! I want my little girl to BE a little girl for as long as she possibly can.
Another thing that irks me is the TV shows that some parents let their young kids watch! and they think they have no idea whats going on? They know more than they think. Kids pick up on EVERYTHING.
Thanks for posting this today Steph, glad we agree :)

[JaYne]

I've thought all along that you are an awesome chickie, raising awesome chickies! Love this post! You got it!

[Steph H]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I know that I am raising a boy and the challenges will be different, but the responsibility of raising an honorable man weighs on me.

[Steph H]

PS. I am fairly certain that your girls are the cutest I have ever seen. Love those dresses!

[Becca]

As the mother of 3 daughters and grandmother to 3 little girls I agree. Shopping for the little girls can be so difficult. Even shopping for myself is hard, I don't like constantly checking to make sure I'm not sharing something I shouldn't be. I don't want to tell anyone else what they should or shouldn't wear but please ladies.. have a little modesty. My daughter recently took our 8yr. old granddaughter to a girls conference, "Secret Keepers" and it was on modesty, they even had a fashion show. They both enjoyed it. Stephanie, being a girl is so wonderful. I am so glad you are giving your little girls this gift. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings to your family.

[sherried]

AMEN! Thanks for being such an inspiration.

[Amy Pruden]

Thank you thank you thank you for saying this. I always see these girls at my son's elementary school wearing tight short shorts and wonder what their parents were thinking? Even when I was 25 and had an awesome body, I still never felt comfortable in those outfits. Just awkward. I have a boy so don't have the dressing problems but it is my job as a single mom to teach him the proper way to treat a lady (or girl in his case) and be a good future husband and father. Well done Stephanie!

[Susie]

I love this post! I am a mom of three young ladies (24, 21 and 18) and now a grandma of one little girl (13 months!) and my husband and I also believed in Let Them Be Little!!! And our daughters have grown to be beautiful young women with good self images and such a strong belief in themselves! And today my little granddaughter wore a smocked dress, too! So, it was such fun to see your post, dear! You are wonderful!!! God bless you!!!!

[[email protected]]

As a first time mom to a little girl, I found myself nodding my head in approval through this entire post. Well said!!!!! And yes, their dresses are beautiful. Total ashion!!

[Meghann]

Well said.

[Marilyn S]

I wish the parents of my high school students could have read this about 10 years ago... I have 9th and 10th graders coming to school with huge amounts of cleavage showing... I always ask the girls what message are they trying to convey by the way they dress... "Hey look at my boobs!" as if that's they only value they have to offer.... It starts early... Thanks for being a voice of reason.

[Denise]

I agree 100%. I read the article the other day and couldn't agree more. I hate seeing little girls dressed like tramps. Let them be little should be the new moment for parents. Enough of making them look like adults. They're not!

[Yeong Shong]

I totally agree with you....

[AshleyM]

So agree. And very well said.

[Natalie]

Well said!! and yes those dress are absolutely adorable!!

[kate]

Love it- and the dresses! I have been saying similar things- especially about the hoochie four year old outfits- drive me nuts! I want to keep Layla in smocked dresses for as long as possible. Will it be weird if she wears one in high school? :) Happy Easter!

[lyndsay]

Well said!!! I couldn't agree more. I have 2 little boys, but if I ever had a girl, I would be dressing her like you dress your girls. I cannot stand seeing all the sexy clothes they make now for little girls. I love that pic of your big girls holding their baby sisters. So cute!

[Kris]

As usual, well said. I am a mother of boys and I don't want them distracted in school. I have tried to instill in them that everyone should dress appropriately...for the situation, for their age and for modesty....I teach middle school and we try ot enforce a dress code of modesty...we really do...but the world around them sends such a different message...
they need to be kids...not mini adults!

[Jordan B]

Your little girls are so lucky to have a strong woman like you as their Mom. They're going to grow up to be amazing women some day, thanks to your example! : )

[Mary Ann]

Love the dresses!! The girls look darling :)
I agree with you 100%

[Annelie Maddock]

Amen!

[Jess]

Totally agree!!
Beautiful photos of your girls by the way :)

[Mary K]

Amazingly said. You are able to put in words, what I feel. Thank you.

[Barb]

My thoughts exactly! We are raising 2 girls and a boy and my deepest desire for them, beyond knowing Christ is that they are confident in themselves without looking trampish! That they don't have to look that way just because that's what the world around them is doing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels that way.

[mary t]

so true so true!!! thanks for putting it out there... I thought I was the only one being I see it everyday working in an elementary school. I am dealing with the dreaded teen years... love the rolled eyes, etc but I keep telling myself , this too shall pass.. and always say I want my little girl back but in the end I know I'm raising a wonderful young lady.. I only have one, can't imagine what it will be like with 4!! good luck!
mary t

[gabby]

you = amazing.
xoxo.

[Vera]

My daughter is 12 now, so no more smocked dresses. I totally agree with you on dressing your little girls appropriately! It's a shame that clothing manufacturers don't offer more cute clothes for girls that are not trashy. I cant find any shorts for my daughter that are a decent length! They're all too short.

[Narelle]

Yes!!! Stephanie you are fabulous - I am striving to let me little ones be little and play!!!

[Nicole petersen]

Oh I am in this battle currently with my almost 15 year old. Luv her but she gets so mad at me. Oh well.... She will survive to tell her therapist!!! LOL

[Chandra]

I agree!

[Rita]

I agree 100% with you.......My 15 year old son has been grounded for the first time, EVER! It breaks my heart, but like you said I'm his parent not his best friend!! Get ready girl...... up until now life has been easy, the teen years are 100X worse than the baby/toddler years!!!! and I have really good kids~

[Mary Jo]

This article is soooo good! It's so disheartening at times how children are being pushed to be older than they are. I just want to protect my daughter from the pressures as long as possible.

But it's amazing how true this is for boys as well. Not so much the dressing, but letting them just be kids! So many eight and nine year olds in my son's class know way more than they should at their age :( And it may not be "cool" but I am glad my son is still as "innocent" as he is :)

[Kimberly B.]

Such good points. I get really disturbed when I see little kids, like 4 or 5 or 6 with fake nails and shirts with kind of sexy slang or juicy on the butt. Those 4 little chicks will be so fantastic when they grow up because you are totally instilling the RIGHT values in them :)

[Linda J]

Bravo!!! So well said - I am a mother to 2 daughters and nana to 5 grandchildren and it warms my heart to read this.

[Isabel R]

I don't have kids but I cringe every time I see little girls dressed "sexy". It's horrible! Makes my heart ache for the childhoods they are missing out on. With a world full of predators, why would parents dress their children up as bait? An ounce of common sense can do a world of good, IMHO. Anyway, I applaud your words. I've never commented on your blog before but I'm an avid reader. I think you're an awesome mom and you have some of the most beautiful little girls I've ever seen. And since I don't know if I will be brave and comment again, thank you so much for the sacrifices you and your family make in order to keep the rest of us safe! <3

[Janet and Lisa]

I love your post this morning and completely agree with it, my days of smocked dresses and cute little clothes are way over but I kept mine as little as I could. My 25 year old has some good values although what she wears sometimes makes me shake my head but I know what her beliefs and work ethics are .
Love the dresses, I'm so impressed with what your friend did with them, They are beautiful and all the girls looks just adorable.

[Stephanie Howell]

isabel! hello! its wonderful to meet you! thank you so much for taking the time to comment, i hope i see you again! your kind words made my morning. :) xoxo

[Vivian]

Couldn't have said it better myself!
My oldest and I have the most ridiculous fights about clothes & shoes & makeup...Good grief! But, I still say no. After all, she is only 11. One day she'll understand. =D Have a great day!

[MilliD]

You GO, girl!! I have teenage boys so my battle is different, but I couldn't agree more about the young-girl hoochie stuff! That's GROSS and disgusting to dress little girls that way!!

I wish my mom had taught me I was "_______ enough" but she did the exact opposite so it took me a long time to figure out that I WAS "______ enough". Thank you for giving that to your girls from the start!! They are going to be wonderful women! :)

[Kami]

You are so right!! As I sat and watched my beautiful little girl yesterday dancing around the yard, swinging on the swings, sitting in her grandpa's lap - all with her pale yellow sunflower dress on, black patent leather shoes, and hair pulled back with a flower. I sat and just stared in awe at how precious and incredibly innocent she is right now at this very moment in time. Then I flashed forward into the teen years and shuddered. Had to remind myself to enjoy this time right now the way she is. I will handle the teenage years when they come and I just know that things will be ok! LOL!! I think the most valuable thing you can teach your children, in my opinion anyways, is RESPECT. I see so many children now a days (like in my son's 2nd grade classroom last week) that do not respect adults. What in the world is up with that?!! Disgusting to say the least. So you are right, we need to hold our values, love strong and embrace these moments when they are little. Hope your Easter was blessed!! Your little beauties in their dresses are just so darn adorable!!!

[justem]

Love this post and the article! Thanks for sharing!

And that photo of Sadie is incredible... :)

[Stacey]

What cute pictures! I so agree on letting kids stay little. I wish there was an equavilent article for boys on letting them stay little too and focusing on their self esteem too. I think kids look so much better dressed as kids. They have plenty of time to dress like adults when they are adults. And girls and makeup - if they start wearing it at 12, they will be so tired of it by the time they are 25! My oldest is 13, and I tell her that she should enjoy the times that she looks great without make-up!

[Pidgen]

Hey Steph, what's even harder is when you raise teenagers who take your advice and want to dress "Little House on the Prarie chic" {ha ha} and there isn't a smocked dress in sight! Let alone a "beautiful" dress ... just horrid clothes that scream a lack of discretion. Ugh, it's a jungle out there. Let them be little. {And let them learn to be wise.}

[Tiffany]

Amen Amen Amen!!!! Let them be little girls. I love that my little Madi loves the frilliest of dresses and the girliest of shoes. That she loves all things ribbon and bows. Off to read that article!

[ArlaMo]

Amen, Stephanie!! And sometimes, if you try really hard to teach them the right things when they are little, they might even grow up to be amazing teenager girls who LIKE to be modest and have respect for their bodies - I am so lucky to have a daughter like that!

[Jessica R.]

These are the perfect words. I totally agree with your words & style of parenting. As far as clothes I say these same things ALL THE TIME. Now my (almost 5 year old) is going into "little girl" clothes. As soon as you get out of toddler sizes you get the most disgusting clothing choices. It is a huge irritation of mine as I'm trying to find spring/summer clothes for her right now.

[virginia]

What a wonderful post - you should write a book - I'd buy it :)

[Asha]

I so agree!!!! My four year old dresses FOUR YEARS OLD! There are too many years ahead for her to dress like a tramp (as I protest, of course). So for as long as I can, she's in very age appropriate clothing, almost baby looking of you will.

[Jennifer Camplin]

amazing post.. amazing girls you have.
love the colors dresses on girls!!

thank for sharing!! so true!

[Camilla]

Please don't deny the padded bra to a girl who grows pointy nipples as the very first stage of breast development. Sometimes nothing else works to hide the nipple outline and let her wear a shirt that fits.

A more mature woman will have better luck hiding nipples with tight spandex alone; very small firm breasts don't really have room to push the nipples flat on.

If the bra is really meant to enhance, rather than conceal, it should feel heavy with a gel pouch. Are you really finding "gel" or "water" enhancing bras in kid's sizes? I'm not. I'm seeing lightly shaped foam shells.

(Nobody sent me the memo that women with very small cup sizes can benefit from concealing bras... so I wore oversized baggy clothing until I was nursing babies of my own.)

[Sarah Webb]

You go! I agree wholeheartedly! Bring on the twirly dresses, ice cream drips and ears full of sand. It's the only way to be. And my girl, will only wear things that twirl (read long -hooray!)

[Stephanie Howell]

the abercrombie ashley bikini was debuted with a push up bra and marketed at i believe 7 or 8 year olds. they have sinced changed their marketing to say it was for preteens.

[Candy]

the smocking! gorgeous! Beautiful fabrics! Start saving for those wedding dresses! :)

[Acompton]

you are so sweet. i love it.

[Jen]

I couldn't agree more! I was at TJ Maxx the other day looking for pants for my 8 yr old and they had some sweats that said "sexy girl" down the leg. I know the clothing out there can be so inappropriate for girls but I couldn't believe they actually said "sexy" for size 8/10 girl. Disgusting!

[Ally White]

Amen sister!!! I have two high school boys and can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to raise girls in todays society. I see the kids who may not be getting....as good of guidence as they could be, and it's scary. I do believe that it does all start with the little things like how they are being dressed when they are younger. I'm 41 and don't want Juicy slashed on my butt much less seeing it on a 5 year old. So wrong!!!!

[Kasey]

Beautifully written, Steph. And, I absolutely agree!
Have a wonderful day!

[AmyJ]

Oh honey I read that article too and I am so enraged at what 'parents' pass off as clothes for their children, it is not funny nor cute, they should think about it when they are taking care of grandbabies so their child can pass 8th grade!
I love you how blog about parenting, I also chant all the time, it will be over in ten years, hold on to today, there is NO replacement for it....ever, they will only be little and dependent once....
Good for you!!!!

[Heather in NS]

AMEN

[Rebecca Murray]

Love this, love this, love this.....

I often struggle with not making a big deal in front of my girls when I can't loose those ten pesky pounds...you know the ones that just will NEVER GO AWAY!!! I try not to say things like "ugh I feel fat" "ugh I am looking old" "ugh is that a hair on my chin?"

I want my girls to know that they are beautiful...and it is so much more important to be beautiful from the inside to the out than the opposite....

I am so blessed that my little ones still like to dress like little ones....i really loved reading this...i love knowing that I am not the O N L Y one out there that still wants her little girls to LOOK and ACT like what they are...little girls!!!!

[Melissa]

Amen. That's all I have to say about this post.

[Pat]

Beautiful girls, dresses and words. They need you in some "pulpits". I am so disgusted w/inappropriate clothing for all ages. Love the smocked dresses.

[PattiP]

Yes, yes yes! My daughter had a hard time finding one piece swim suits for her 6 and 8 year old daughters. She refuses to buy them two pieces at this age and I totally agree.

Your girls are gorgeous, by the way, and so are the dresses.

[Camilla]

I can find pictures of a bikini that looks to have foam triangles, to keep its shape. I think marketing that as "push up" is unfortunate, but if the garment is what I think it is, I actually wish I had had it at the right age.

See, when my breasts started to grow, they did so as a round lump, about 2" in diameter. I was skinny, and had I put a speedo on over that, well, it would have been unexpectedly revealing, because my unaltered shape would be obvious. I now know, that what I looked like was normal growth, but I was a little out of step from my peers (late developing) and I thought I looked like a freak.

That bikini in no way looks like "I'm an eight year old with real big breasts"; it just looks like "I'm wearing a bikini." You can be against "bikinis on children" (which is reasonable) but it does look to me like the role of padding is to conceal, rather than reveal, in this case.

I really don't like the marketing, either, or the notion that small breasts need to be dressed up to look bigger, but if you actually look at a lot of padded bras in small sizes, you can see that padding is often not "whoa, I grew a cup size" it's just a fact of life for nipple/shape hiding. (And I appreciate tie-on bikinis as an adult for simply being un-notable, and not having fit issues - my bras need to be custom made, and I don't swim enough to want to go that route.)

[Stephanie Howell]

Gotcha. Just sharing my opinion. :)

Sent from my iPhone

[Susana Beth]

Amen! Preach it sister!

I have a boy, and sometimes I want to say to mommas of girls "If that is what she is wearing now, what do you think my boy is going to expect when they head out to the prom in years to come."

I realize my husband and I have a huge responsibility to raise my son to respect women and treat them properly - not trying to pass that off to anyone. It is just harder to accomplish that goal when boys get mixed messages in elementary school (and before) as to what girls are all about.

Your girls look really cute in their Easter outfits!

[Camilla]

You're right on on the point you're making, and the padding vs. not thing is way off on a tangent. I don't even think I'd put a bikini of any description on a little girl.

[Sivje]

I totally agree. This is how I raised my 19 year old and is now how I am raising my 6 year old. Smocked dresses, big bows, ankle socks and patent leathers. She plays hard and gets dirty in them. She twirls and sings and goes on the monkey bars (with bloomers under said dresses). I want my girls to be little girls until they are young ladies. My 19 year old, away from home at the Disney College Program, purchased her first store-bought Easter dress the other day. What did she choose? Something very similar to the dresses I made her for years. I was so proud that she continues to dress modestly, which lets her spirit shine through, instead of showing off her body. She texted me a photo and said she felt pretty. I was so proud of her.

[katie squires]

Well Said :) :) :)

[Karen in Toronto]

Yes, yes, yes! Long time lurker here who oogles over your beautiful layouts often. I don't know how you manage with 4 children so young, but they look happy and you seem sane so you must be doing an amazing job. Craft & stay sane!

Hugs, Karen

[Linnea]

the girls' dresses are lovely! And I love that you're taking a stand for your daughters' modesty right now, and that you're not afraid to articulate what's wrong with "hoochie" clothes for little girls. Keep letting them be little!

[Account Deleted]

awesome, just awesome! Your little ladies are lucky to have you! maggieb!

[tara pakosta]

LOVE these photos of all 4 girls!!!
They are all so beautiful!
but man is Sadie VERY photogenic without even trying!
that girl is soooooo beautiful! well, they ALL FOUR are!!!
and that post is so true, I couldn't agree with you more!
tara

[Svala, Iceland]

LIKE LIKE LIKE LIKE LIKE what you just wrote, it's all so true. Love their dresses, beautiful!!!!!

[Account Deleted]

Dang, mama. I wish I had had my head on that straight YEARS ago. Lucky girls to have you for a mama. (and Jimmy for their papa, from what I gather.)

[Yancy (Houston)]

AMEN SISTER!!!! I loved your post and loved the CNN article!!! It is so frustrating to walk into the store - whether it is Target/Wal-Mart or a mall shop - and see little girls' clothing that is made with less material than my underwear!!!! And people wonder why their precious little angel is the one who was kidnapped by a child molester!!! It's because she looks like a prostitute!!! My head is racing so many different ways right now - can't even get my thoughts together to form a cohesive comment. :-) My daughter is 17, and about to graduate from high school. We still have this debate with her about clothing. Pointless now, since she will be gone soon. But, when she was younger, it was actually pretty difficult. My husband and I objected to the short shorts and the mini skirts and tight shirts. But, her dad (we are divorced) and her step-mom didn't have a problem with them. She would come home from Summer/Christmas break with all the things we had refused to buy her. "Well Dad lets me wear them!!" It was a constant battle. And, I can imagine confusing for her to a degree - having two sets of rules as to what you can/can't wear. To add to all of that - 95% of what the stores carry are those forbidden items. Makes it so difficult to go shopping and enforce those values and sense of dignity. She makes comments saying her daughter will be able to wear these types of clothing. I just sit and think about all the things my mom wouldn't let me do, that I said my daughter was going to be able to do.......brings a chuckle. :-)

Anyway, I know my response doesn't really make any sense - just babble. But, thanks for your post, and thanks for the article. :-) I'll let you know in 10 years how my granddaughters look. :-)

BTW....I have twins, also. Although, they are not babies anymore - they just turned 24 last month - two boys. One is in the Marines (sorry). :-) And, the other is in school to be an EMT/Paramedic. I love reading your "twin" stories, as well as the military ones. Brings tears to my eyes every time I read about J coming home. It reminds me of when Patrick came home from Iraq 3 years ago - seeing those hangar doors open and the squad lined up at attention. Still brings tears to my eyes, and goosebumps.

THANKS AGAIN!!!!

[Amy K]

Eloquently stated Stephanie. I couldn't agree with you more. As a mom to two girls myself, I dread the thought of having to try and find swimming suits that aren't ridiculously revealing. I thought our schools had dress codes, but clearly not enforced.
Those dresses are beautiful, and H, S, L, and C are adorable as always.
Blessings...

[mary k]

I could not have said it better myself. I agree 110%.
There are so many negative messages being sent to little girls, and what's wrong with the parents who are buying into all this trash?! God blessed you with four
beautiful little girls to love and raise. I have great confidence in you. Keep sharing your great parenting ideas with all of us. I have 3 little granddaughters who are being raised by loving caring parents. I'm very lucky.

[Jenni Hufford]

oh i SO love this stephanie. this too is my desire for my children as well (and totally agree with the dressing issue).
i feel so convicted lately about their little eyes are always watching ME. they are sponges right now-- and for this short time we have their very full attention (before friends, teachers, etc) i don't want them learning these "adult insecurities" from ME of all people... i want to demonstrate confidence, grace, kindness, and the love of Christ!! thx for this reminder! xo

[Ginny]

So very true - just wait until you try to shop for an 18 yr old granddaughter. I absolutely refuse to buy some of the things "everyone is wearing." The girls' dresses are absolutely precious & so are those chubby-cheeked babies!

[Noelle Reese]

AMEN to that! I was in the 2nd hand store on Saturday and a 2T top had slits in the front and back from shoulder to shoulder! I wouldn't have even worn that to a bar in college for crying out loud! All 4 of your girls look so pretty in their new dresses! :)

[Corey Brock]

Stephanie...I think this was one of my favorite posts! Thank you for saying all that, b/c it is sooo true! I couldn't agree more! I hope you and your family had a very blessed Easter!

[Karla]

My sentiments exactly!!! I have never thought that slogans on your bottom was attractive. I am a huge fan of frilly socks with patten shoes and dresses with smocking. I am lucky that my daughter is such a girly girl and loves it too.

[kristen]

LOVE this! And as a mom of three boys, I thank you. I pray for my future daughters-in-law and that they are being raised by like minded mothers so that my boys marry strong, healthy, Godly women who love themselves in a way that allows them to love my boys as much (or more) than I do.

[erica]

Uhm, can we adjust this for the adults too? I don't like walking behind some grown woman with the word 'Juicy' on her hiney any more than I like seeing it on a kids hiney.

[Tracey]

Totally agree with you Stephanie. Well said !

[Sherrie M]

I posted the same link on my FB page a few days ago, and I totally agree with it!! Thank you so much for dedicating a blog to this important issue. I hope lots of people read it and the link, and start thinking about what they are actually encouraging in their girls. I have a girl and a boy, and we know that times will be tough when they are teenagers, and every bit of good advice and common sense we can find so they can have less hassles in their lives later, is so worthwhile. Thank you for posting this!

[Stéphanie Pouliot]

Beautiful little girls and pretty little dresses! Have a beautiful week!

[Charis M]

Just wanted to let you know that as a mother of boys, I SO appreciate mothers who are helping their daughters realize that modesty is not a bad word. It will help my son to stay a boy a little longer too! Brains really do win out in the end!

[Margaret]

AGREED! I read the CNN article when it was going around on FB and it freaked me out a bit. Who makes thong bikini bottoms for children? EW.

The dresses are totally GORGEOUS, and your girls look adorable in them. I inherited a bunch of smocked dresses from my sister-in-law and I cannot wait until my girls are big enough to fit into them.

Here's to grace and brains and kindness and beautiful dresses!

[Stephanie Stewart]

AMEN!! and I have two boys!!!

[Orla]

Stephanie, you are truly amazing. I adore your blog, but this post has to be your best yet. Your little girls are truly blessed to have a mommy like you, well done!

[Jennifer Sanborn]

GREAT post, Stephanie!!! I don't have any kids, but it amazes me what's out there to dress them in now. The latest Abercrombie bikini fiasco was disgusting. Your girls are beautiful!!!! And YAY MAGGIE on the dresses...love the matching colors! :)

[Carrielyn]

HERE HERE!! (All CAPS very much intended!)

[Aubree]

Well said Stephanie! Little girls should be raised to believe in themselves for their brains and strength as women not as sex objects. The earlier we start teaching that to them the better! My 7 yr old DD doesn't like that I won't allow her to wear a bikini to camp. I will only allow her to wear it in the privacy of our own home or at close friends....I am not worried about who will be looking at her today. I am worried about who will be looking at her in 6 or 7 years when she is wearing bikinis. If I set the precedence now, she won't be surprised later when I still won't allow her to wear a bikini to camp around her 18 year old counselors!

[Michelle K]

You must have been listening in on a conversation I was having the other day with my husband. We both sat there trying to figure out why there are provocative words written across children's butts, why they are wearing things that are "sexy", why, why, why??? Is it just me or should the word "sexy" and a child NEVER EVER be in the same sentence? They are supposed to be happy, healthy, confident, loved and (insert other positive words here). My little girl is 2 years old and we love the innocence and the happiness that she exudes. She is self-assured and also shows great empathy. These are the reasons I am so proud of her. That will continue to be our focus and she will benefit greatly from that. I would like to think that this will prepare her for when she has tough choices ahead, so that she will feel comfortable to stick to her guns even if it's not the popular choice, rather than giving in because she is unsure of herself.

[DeeDee]

Oh I just love the girls dresses! Beautiful photo of them all together!
I have an 8 year old DGD and I just shake my head at some of the
choices of some of the clothing in her size at the stores!