PM strikes a chord with parents over kids’ dress standards
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has “standards and conditions” when it comes to how his two daughter dress and it’s struck a chord with parents around the country.
Confidential
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has “standards and conditions” when it comes to how his two daughter dress and it’s struck a chord with parents around the country.
With fashion for kids edging towards the more revealing, many mums and dads are implementing rules to ensure their daughters dress in what they deem is appropriate attire.
High-cut shorts and bikinis that show off a lot of skin are a growing fashion trend for young girls this summer.
Psychologist Kim Shortridge said it was an important conversation for parents.
“The trends in clothing could set up young children to believe that it’s the short shorts that make them cute, so it’s important that we teach children early about body safety and what parts of their body are private,” she said.
Gymea Bay mother-of-three Jacki Russell said when it came to dressing daughter Penelope, 3, she bought a size up in dresses and shorts to make sure they were not too revealing.
“Personally, when I dress Penny I am more conservative,” she told The Daily Telegraph. “(She) has the teenage years to dress where I can’t control her. But I think kids need their innocence. Plus, with social media now, you don’t know where images of your child will end up.”
She also bars bikinis at the beach because “I feel it’s inappropriate for Penny.”
Meanwhile, brands specialising in more conservative clothing styles for kids are becoming popular.
Melbourne brand Goldie & Ace specialise in retro and unisex kids’ styles, including overalls.
Co-founder Alana Tiller told The Daily Telegraph she was inspired to make clothing because she could not find a lot on the market that was age appropriate for her children.
“I wanted my kids to look like kids, not little adults. I wanted to recreate the innocence of childhood,” she said.
“And business has never been better. Last week we launched our daisy overalls and they sold out overnight, which never happens.”
Meanwhile Children’s store The Corner Booth in Annandale is know for its more classic style of clothes.
“The short shorts are not our vibe and our customers know that,” owner Leah Kress said.
“We offer more tailored looks or pretty sundresses that offer coverage for kids.”
Last week Mr Morrison, in response to a row about skimpy bikinis, said that while women should wear what they wanted, “as the father of daughters I might have some dress standards and conditions, but that’s for the family”.