Real life MMD: Should I buy my sons' clothes from Burberry?

Slowdown

My children have been through phases of wanting the latest clothes but no longer. I never gave in to them and have always encouraged them not to run with the crowd but stand up to be different. I am a moral and ethical person and have explained to my children the dangers of being caught up in the global consumerist society that leaves our own children dissatisfied, greedy and restless and those in third world countries hungry and homeless. They understand fully that there is certainly no shame in wearing second hand , recycled clothes and believe themselves to be supporting the planet, underpaid workers and children abused in the workplace by corporate money snatching giants.
I despise designer wear and all that it stands for and are glad that my children have intrinsic values.
Do not give in but re educate them
(and we live in Essex!)

velissaria

No. Kids need to learn from a very young age what the family can afford financially and what not. They must also realise that expensive clothes and gadgets do not equal brains or beauty, and that it is actually the stupid and insecure people who have a need to show off. Boost your kids confidence by pointing out often how clever / skilful / pretty they are. Teach them to ignore and avoid snobbish, shallow kids at school. That way, they will be better prepared to face the absurdity of modern life when they come of age. No good to have kids live in a bubble.

As others pointed out, if they want something expensive really badly, make them work for it, or give up something else in return.

Ebenezer_Screwj

billbennett wrote: »

If you can't afford it, don't do it. If he wants to buy clothes with expensive labels, make him get a paper round and learn the value of money. Either that, or tell them "This Burberry jacket costs £70, so you can have that, but you'll be forsaking watching TV for 6 months if you have it." (£70 = 6 months TV license, right?)

There's no need to "keep them happy", I'm sure a little discipline wouldn't go amiss either. You're the parent, and you call the shots, you don't live in fear of your kids.

In fact, look around you. Look at anyone aged 20-29 in your town centre. Now pick out the ones wearing Burberry. Do you want your sons to turn out like that? Of course you don't. Or if you do, you're the most sadistic person I know

I entirely agree with this post. Presumably your sons don't have to wear uniform at school in which case the question would not arise.

gbjbasdw

When I see someone wearing "designer" clothes I think "You idiot !"

Why would anyone in their right mind pay £80 for a Lacoste polo short for example. It's just plain stupid - you might as well wear a big badge saying "I'm a prat"

PinneG

I don't want to comment on whether buying designer brands for teens is right or wrong, that's up to you. My own experience is that when I was sixteen, I got a Saturday job in a designer store and was able to use my staff discount to fill my wardrobe as far as my wages would allow!

You might find it useful to know can buy Burberry half price - they have a factory outlet in Chatham Place in Hackney, London and an outlet store in Bicester Village (near Oxford). If you're not near either of those, there are other designer outlet shopping centres all over England, if you look for McArthur Glen on google you will find them, I don't think they have Burberry but they have other designer/sports brands. If you do like designer clothes and you have the money to spend, it is well worth a day trip to one of these.

davidmbar2000

unfortunatly in the real world nobody can have all that they want. the sooner your children learn this the better for them.

tlj7

I have 2 sons now aged 18 and 20. They both went through the phase of wanting expensive branded clothes and I offered this solution. I would pay what I felt was an acceptable amount - say £20 for new trainers and if they wanted a particular pair for £60 then they had to pay the difference. Aged under 16 they needed to save pocket money/birthday money. Over 16 I encouraged them both to work part time and continued the same theme, but for essential items only. I would not contribute to fashion choices. Now both at university one doesn't bother with designer clothes at all and the other avidly checks the sales and buys selectively as and when he can afford them. I am happy with this outcome!

gemmaizabell

You do not say how old your sons are but ceertainly you should not buy expensive clothes if cheaper ones are suitable, especially when they are still growing. You could pay towards a purchase, the amount you would for something cheaper and let them spend their own money to put towards items if they want something more expensive.

harryhound

At the age of 13 and 15 I put both my kids on a monthly allowance for EVERYTHING.
Best thing I ever did,
It was a bit like a trades union trying to renegotiate with the old skin flint on a annual basis.
Both got part time jobs - actually daughter was one day a week even in term time and more like full time in the holidays.
"Dad the heel has come off my boots can you help me fix it?"
Much industry each day preparing packed lunches for school.
Etc. Etc.

Teenagers are seldom more innocently employed than when trying to earn money.

No madness when they went to "Uni":
"Oh these pot smoking kids are so pathetically childish".
"Why can I talk to you about these things - when I cannot talk to my own father about them" - "childish" pot smoker.

No boomerang kid syndrome.

As soon as you are able send them on a volunteer work camp in a third world country to learn what real poverty is all about.
If it is good enough for "Wil" it should be good enough for other "fashion" obsessed 18 year olds.

mrsmalo

Hi

Faced with a similar dilemma, i sat down with my son and worked out a weekly allowance for clothes,shampoo, trainers etc. It is now up to him where he shops and he must learn to budget and save for the things he wants. We are still having disasters as he learns eg he runs out of money for trainers as he hasn't saved enough. The important thing is not to give in and provide more cash or they will never learn.Experience is the best way.Good luck.