Hand-me-down kids

Because of our move to Seville next month I am having a good clear-out. Of the house. My kids have too many clothes. This is because I have so many great friends who pass on their kid's clothes to me.

The scene is set: I get home from wherever and find a sack of clothes on my doorstep. This means one of two things. Either John has kicked me out or someone has delivered never-worn, over-worn, out-grown, or plain disliked clothes. I don't always know who they are from, sometimes there is a note. I take the sack into the lounge, empty out the clothes on my worn, over-loved rug, and it is like Christmas. The kids gather round and we see what fits who. Kids have a tendency to like the cute but impractical. Thus I always ask the question, "Now, would you wear it? I mean really wear it?"

So what is this stigma that seems to be connected to hand-me-down clothes? I have some friends I would never offer clothes to. They would probably look at me as if to say "how very dare you!?" There seems to be some weird pride thing that is attached. If I offer you clothes I am also treating you like you are poor, needy and pathetic? Not sure. I don't see myself as poor, needy or pathetic. Ok perhaps the poor one, well yes I can be quite needy. . . but pathetic. . . NO. Some of my favourite clothes have been given to me by my friends Hazel and Sophia.

So are you a hand-me-down type or not? I remember years ago when I lived in Bournemouth I was very particular about what my kids wore and worried about what people thought of me. I felt (and still do to some point) that people judge me on how my kids look. So when I go food shopping with my little girl wearing (this is true) her swimming costume, with a pink tutu over it and blue wellington boots and goggles, what does that say about me?

I care more about my little girl wanting to express herself through her clothing than I am worried about being perceived as a irresponsible parent. Hey, with this summer weather the swimsuit, goggles, and wellie combo seem like sensible day attire.

So, a big shout out to Helena, Sophia, Gill Taylor, Catherine (above photo taken yesterday of Caitlin in her beautiful dress passed on by Catherine), Hazel, Shelly, Sally, Nic, Dawnie, Joan, Julie and all those big-hearted women who have passed on clothes to my kids, saving us money and making my kids look beautiful!