Anonymous wrote:I understand why you're posting this and asking, but honestly, at 8/9 I'd follow his lead, ask him what he wants to wear to sleep at camp, and provide what he asks for. Yes, that might lead to the same scenario as your daughter with the bra but:
1) Kids being embarrassed about their own choices isn't exactly terrible. Hard to get through adolescence without having at least one of those moments (particularly as far as clothes). It's super low stakes and character building.
2) I think you're sending the wrong message - "I've found out what other kids wear so that you won't be embarrassed, here it is" rather than "wear what you want and if other people don't like it, shrug." I know you're not going to say that, but your actions do.
I understand kids want to fit in and avoid embarrassment, and I don't begrudge them that, but I'm not taking that goal on for myself.
I would let him know what he should wear but I wouldn’t mention because “that’s what the other kids wear”. I’d help him find comfortable clothes based on weather, and location. It might be cold at night, it might be hot. Either way, even though he’s only a little kid I would discourage the no shirt look. Shirtless men give me visions of cop shows with the guy inexplicably not wearing a shirt on the ground getting handcuffed. Nip it early.