When buying school clothes for 3 kids, do you spend the same amount of money on each? See details...?

Question

My hubby and I were having a little disagreement. We have three kids. A six year old son Elijah whom is starting kindergarten (He recently gained a lot of weight and none of his pants fit him), a nine year old Natasia going into fourth grade (She grows slow still has some pants/shirts that fit her), and a twelve year old Monica going into junior high seventh grade (whom does not have hardly anything that fits her).

We went on three shopping sprees already for their school clothes. We spent over $220 on each of them already. Natasia got about thirteen outfits, backpack, socks, underwear, and shoes. Monica got about eight outfits plus three other pairs of pants without matching shirts and a pair of sneakers (NO backpack, socks, underwear, bras, yet). Monica needs a couple more shirts as well because the pants she bought do not have any shirts that match. Elijah is all set because he got about fifteen outfits, underwear, socks, sneakers, shoes, and a backpack. It seems like Monica's clothes costed more because she is in women's sizes now. The other two are still in kids.

Do you think it would be fair to buy Monica the rest of the stuff that she needs without buying the other kids anything this time shopping?

I think they would be upset so we should let them get stuff too. Hubby and my mother both say that it does not always work that way. They say that the other kids just need to understand that when they need things we will get it for them too, but right now they are all set. Monica is going into junior high school so she was a little more picky choosing her clothes than the other two. We shopped at A.J. Wright and did get some pretty good discounts. Just wondering what to do. Should we continue to spend an even amount on each or just get my older daughter what she needs since the others do not really need anymore?

Answer 1

I have never spent the same amount on the kids, instead I go by making sure they have the same amount.  My son is in 3rd this year, give him jeans and t-shirts and he is happy the oldest is a sophomore and of course she wants a few things the others could care less about and the other one is going into 5th and she is all about fashion, shoes, hair things etc.  With all three of the kids having a different style there is now way I could set an amount for them.  It is the same at christmas we do not buy gifts and spend the same amount of money we just make sure they have the same amount of gifts to open.  Everything in their life is not going to be fair you can only try to make it as fair as possible for them.  If they all get the same amount of outfits then they should be happy with that.  Also chances are the two girls could share shirts to expand their wardrobe.  My 10 yo old wears a 10-12 girls but a small in a juniors shirt fits her good so she can borrow her sisters shirts at times for a change.

Just explain to the girls that they have different taste in clothes and that means the prices are going to vary and although one may cost more they still have the same amount

Answer 2

different ages require different amounts. clothes for a 6 yr old come in sets for 10$ a 12 year old can't buy a pair of jeans for that. your little bargain shopper could show her siblingg a thing or two about shopping thou.by the way last time i counted there were only 7 days in a week. with a washer that tells me she has enough. she should have been looking for the best deal.

Answer 3

I think as kids get older and they move into adult sizes its always going to cost more for their things, so I would get your oldest daughter the items she needs and maybe try buying equal amounts of things in number not cost. Such as each child gets 10 outfits and of course shop reasonably not just whatever they want, but that way everyone gets what they need and the children don't really need to know what each others items cost. I hope this helps you.

Answer 4

It's about everyone getting what they need, not about everyone getting the exact same thing/things.  If one child is still needing, it would be "unfair" to her if her brother and sister had everything they need and she doesn't.  

Don't place too much emphasis on the dollar amount; focus on "providing" equally, not "spending" equally.

Answer 5

I have 5 children and for back to school shopping I buy each of the children what they need and thats it.  For example 4 of the kids needed new socks and underwear, but one of our boys just got new less than 2 months ago, so he didn't get them this time.  Only 2 of our kids NEEDED new backpacks, and my youngest son needed no pants just shirts.  I probably spent the most on my 2 oldest girls since they seemed to grow a lot and needed more, plus their clothes are more expensive.   In my opinion as long as the kids have equal amounts of nice clothes, shoes, bags and whatever else they need for school then thats acceptable.  It sounds like you already spent plenty on all of them.

Answer 6

You need to try and set a limit on how much you spend on each child, but lets face it.  The older ones clothes cost more then the youngest one, and do you really want to send your daughter to Jr High with out good bras?  The boys will love it!  If your other daughter complains she didn't get as much, ask her what she thinks she NEEDS, not wants and adjust from there!  Remember once they see what there friends have, they may want something different.  Hold off getting complete wardrobes until after school starts!!  

Answer 7

My wife and I have three children, 17, 14 & 9, with the oldest two being boys and the youngest being a girl. Money is irrelevant when it comes to what they need. We buy them what they need when they need it and have found that constantly buying clothes and supplies though out the school year is much better than doing it once a year. Also, we allow our two oldest children to buy their own clothes now without us being around, they each have a credit card to use but must clear it with us before using it. I am sure people will not agree with our method but it does work for us. Also, I highly recommend that you buy clothing that is higher quality as to cheap clothing, they will last longer and are more fashionable.

Answer 8

Nope. My son gets more money spent on him because he is the oldest and has no hand me downs (no one I know has kids that old).

My 2 month old gets all his brother's old baby clothes and this little one inside of me will too.