Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

I always make sure that my children have nice clothing and are clean and look good every time they leave the house BUT, I see families where the kids are NOT well kept (old clothing... uncombed hair... dirty) BUT the parents are always sporting the latest fashions and appear to have good hygene... HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

It really disgusts me to see this, and for a good reason...

Contrary to popular belief, having clean, good looking children is not expensive!

We do not have a lot of money to spend on clothing, but even with second hand clothes, a kid does not have to LOOK like they are wearing used stuff.

Also, running a comb through a kid's hair, and washing them up with a washcloth only takes a minute or two.

There is no reason to let kids look trashy. Especially when the parent is taking time to take care of theirself. I hate seeing this. It really makes me wonder what kind of parent the person really is...

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

The parent is selfish

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

Well JayneDoe, I think that it is important for both the children and the parents to dress well. However, the most important thing that reflects the parents is how well the child behaves.

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

You have a very good point. Someone says that her child is very manipulative and can imitate others easily. This someone is also the same, except being an adult, she does not show the obvious, not like a kid. You are referring to what can be seen. It is good to show a positive image. But they are just kids and kids actually prefer comfort like a worn t shirt and if you ask them why, they say because it is comfortable. They do not yet understand how their own image affects their parents. So, it is a psychological sort of thing. Not just clothings or any other materials. Probably the problem is with you and not your kids.

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

I'll tell you what, when I had one or two kids, I was very very concerned with how they looked, and I know that people judge parents on how their kids look. As time goes by though, I have been more willing to let my children develop themselves. They have their favorite clothes, and no matter what new things I buy, they want to wear what's comfortable. it's not hurting anyone, who cares? (except people here I guess) I offer to brush their hair the way I like, but they like it the way it is, who am I to judge them? It's their body! And if we've been building a fort in the backyard all day, we're covered in dirt and need to run to the grocery for a dinner item, I'm not going to throw a fit about a little dirt (or paint) as again, they will be clean by bedtime and it really does not matter to them. It matters to ME, so I'll take a wash cloth and clean myself off.

I worry that you're judging parents that you don't know by such a small snippet of life, the kids are happy and healthy, what does a little dirt matter? You're also teaching your children that appearance are more important than actually knowing who people are and implying that you guys are better than others when you don't even know them. My five year old actually puts gel in his hair and brush it willy nilly because it looks funny (like yugioh characters) and he likes it that way! I like it, I think he's funny and he has his own sense of style. I'm sure people judge me all the time, but I don't care, my kids are the only people who's judgement I care about, and I'd rather them look back and say, "Mom let us dig big holes in the dirt and it was fun," rather than "Mom always made sure my shirt was clean and my hair was brushed."

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

I think it is selfish and kinda immature!

Who else feels that their children are a reflection of themselves?

I always say that!! It`s a great saying, isn`t it? Children are mirriors of their parents. Some parents have bad hygiene and overall bad parent skills, most of the time the kids end up raising their children the same way.