Anonymous wrote:Not to a birthday party. I don’t want to attract attention away from the birthday child.
But I have absolutely let my kids wear their costumes to Target, to get a haircut, to grandma’s house, and all sorts of other places.

This!
Plus when they’re little, the ones who aren’t in costume may get bent out of shape over not being in costume, too.

I have two boys who, for the most part don't care about clothes. My younger DS is happy so long as he has a selection of camo clothes to wear, but wouldn't complain if I picked out something non-camo for a party. I pick out my kids' clothes for parties and special events. I am trying to teach them how to match clothing and what goes with what. I don't let me kids go out in costumes, or say shorts, rainboots, a cape, and a cowboy hat; unless its Halloween or they are going to a costume party.

Anonymous wrote:It is fine and no one cares.

+1 Pretty stinkin' cute if you ask me.

I am a lazy parent. Fewer rules was easier for us. So other than special events like Halloween or pajama day at preschool. the rule was that costumes and pj’s were for inside our house or out yard.

It is fine and no one cares.

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to differ a little here. I think if a kidi is having a party that is not a costume party, and one guest shows up in a full Iron Man costume, that is going to make them the center of attention and is maybe not kind to the birthday child. I would discourage it for that reason. But, that said, if you have a child that is extremely rigid, and won't go out unless he's in his Iron Man costume, I would be understanding.

I don't think a tutu, or something like that, falls into the same category as a full costume. Same with kids that want to wear PJs to a party. NBD.

This. Don't let your kid wear the Elsa dress and make all the other little girls jealous when it's not a princess party.

Not to a birthday party. I don’t want to attract attention away from the birthday child.
But I have absolutely let my kids wear their costumes to Target, to get a haircut, to grandma’s house, and all sorts of other places.

I'm going to differ a little here. I think if a kidi is having a party that is not a costume party, and one guest shows up in a full Iron Man costume, that is going to make them the center of attention and is maybe not kind to the birthday child. I would discourage it for that reason. But, that said, if you have a child that is extremely rigid, and won't go out unless he's in his Iron Man costume, I would be understanding.

I don't think a tutu, or something like that, falls into the same category as a full costume. Same with kids that want to wear PJs to a party. NBD.

Anonymous wrote:I think their is an element of overdressing the birthday child if you kid shows up in a costume at a non costume party but it’s also just so dang adorable to see kids choose their own outfits.

Is this “overdressing” notion a real thing? Or a non concern?

... Letting a kid dress as a superhero, or princess, or Minnie Mouse, or whatever, has absolutely zero value due to "it's just so dang adorable".... It's about teaching your child self expression, that you value their opinion, giving them their own voice, assert their independence, test limits and boundaries....

I have also literally NEVER heard of someone referring to little kids wearing a cape or mask or costume or princess dress or whatever as "overdressing." If your son is obsessed with being a groom, and insists on wearing a full tuxedo and you are going to a water park.... Sure... That's overdressed. But Sally in her Little Mermaid dress or Landon in his cape and mask for regular kid's birthday parties is .... not.... overdressed.........

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I still pick out my kids' clothes for them. So they wouldn't ever think to just ... put on a costume?

Wait have you had a 2 or 3 year old in your house yet? Both my kids at age 2 started to have massive opinions about what they'd wear!

This. And if they know it’s a princess tea party you can be damn sure they want to wear a princess dress.

Anonymous wrote:I still pick out my kids' clothes for them. So they wouldn't ever think to just ... put on a costume?

Wait have you had a 2 or 3 year old in your house yet? Both my kids at age 2 started to have massive opinions about what they'd wear!

Do you mean you're worried about your 3 year old showing up the birthday kid by arriving in a Batman costume?

I try to leave costumes at home in general. Also I make sure the clothes are weather/activity appropriate. I may attempt to steer my kid towards something I think looks good, but in general they wear what they want as is it's not a battle I take on for most of their peer's birthday parties. For grandma, I may have more opinions, but also grandma would be charmed by the costume soo...

I wouldn't let the kid wear something inappropriate for the activity that's being performed at the party (e.g. wearing a poofy dress to a gym party or not wearing a bathing suit to a swim party), but otherwise I don't care.

I still pick out my kids' clothes for them. So they wouldn't ever think to just ... put on a costume?

I think their is an element of overdressing the birthday child if you kid shows up in a costume at a non costume party but it’s also just so dang adorable to see kids choose their own outfits.

Is this “overdressing” notion a real thing? Or a non concern?