What should my 12 year old son wear to a christening?

Savvy_Sue

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

I also agree with Skintchick; I don't think jeans and/or trainers are ever appropriate items to be worn in a Church,

You're clearly going to the wrong church! :rotfl: I'm just glad to get mine there for special occasions, getting them smart as well is a bonus. God really doesn't care, so it depends how much the OP cares about her sister's opinions.

Although if I put my foot down, we do OK. My boys were in suit (eldest) and smart trousers, shirts and ties for my dad's funeral, but when we bury his ashes it will NOT be suits because it's in a field.

Black trainers would be almost indistinguishable from black shoes of any other kind, IMO.

BTW, DS3 is banned from wearing his communist party t-shirts in the presence of his grandparents. Ever. I just can't face going there ...

Money_maker

tiff wrote: »

These are the trainers http://www.fashionbeans.com/recommended-fashion/nike-air-mogan-mid-black/ that he would be wearing with jeans, not white ones.

Sorry, tiff, but that link has just justified why school uniforms with black trainers/shoes is a good idea. How on earth does he get away with those at school?

tiff

Those arent what he wears to school, he wears black trainers with his school uniform. Those above are what he would wear with jeans.

SP123_3

Agree with Skintchick, he should be smart.

TBH, at 12 he probably needs to start learning that there are occasions in life when you need to make an effort and dress smartly. I think you're doing him a disservice if you let him go dressed casually. The earlier kids start to learn that you need to dress appropriately for weddings, Christenings, funerals, job interviews, office life etc the better, as they become comfortable with it sooner.

I'm actually really surprised he's allowed to wear jeans or trainers to school. When I was at school (not that many years ago), we'd have been sent home for that. We didn't have to wear uniform, but we did have to be smart.

A friend of mine got married last year. Her sister's boyfriend turned up (late) in jeans and a crumpled, unwashed shirt. When the sister protested, he complained that he'd never had to dress up and wasn't about to start now. That said a lot about his attitude to life in general, and his regard (or lack of it) for other people. The sister told him to leave. I believe that was the end of the relationship.

moggylover

My vote goes with using black school trousers and (if he really must) plain black school trainers with a shirt. The trainers you linked to would not be allowed as "going out wear" even for my 15 year old and could not by any stretch of the imagination be considered "smart"!

The clothes do not need to be expensive, but I believe your sister is perfectly within her rights to want the guests at her childs christening to dress with a little "respect" for the occasion.

onlyroz

Agree with others - he should wear his school trousers/shoes, and then get a new shirt - you wouldn't have to spend too much if you went to ASDA/Tesco etc.

Molly41

There are no should and should nots re fashion in the eyes of God. Let him wear what he is comfortable in - a compromise. He sounds just fine dressed in what you originally planned. Hope the Christening goes well x

Surfbabe

My dad ( who was a Vicar BTW) always took the view that it was the fact you came to Church rather than what you wore - however he did draw the line at ripped jeans and t-shirts with inappropraite slogans on (at least with me and my brother and sister!) - He always took the view that anyone was welcome. If it was a Wedding that would be different - you should dress smartly

tiff

SP123 wrote: »

Agree with Skintchick, he should be smart.


I'm actually really surprised he's allowed to wear jeans or trainers to school. When I was at school (not that many years ago), we'd have been sent home for that. We didn't have to wear uniform, but we did have to be smart.
.

Have you read my posts? Nowhere did I say he wears jeans to school. He wears a uniform and black trainers are allowed.

Idiophreak

I'm another vote for dressing smartly.

School trousers, some cheapy shoes from shoezone, a new shirt from Mr Ts, Primark. Get him a spiderman tie or something...sure you could get the lot for < £20. Sure, it seems like a lot for something that he'll only wear once, but it seems a small price to pay for keeping the peace with your sister.

Plus, I agree with SP123 - It's a good chance to get him used to dressing up for special occasions. It's a life skill and one worth getting him used to. If he were 8, I'd say that jeans *might* be acceptable...but at 12 he's more than old enough to be seen to be making an effort.

He only need wear the tie for the ceremony, then can take it off for the afterparty if he's bothered by it - but he might actually enjoy looking a little grown-up for the day, who knows...