We all know how easy it is to buy clothing for regular sizes, this holds true for adults as well as children.  Consider however, how much easier it is to find plus size clothing for adults...there has been a huge focus on this market for the last few years thanks to Oprah, Delta Burke and other commercial giants who realize that life is not about being a thin Kate Moss or eating disordered Nicole Ritchie.  Even the famous soap maker Dove has launched a highly acclaimed campaign to ensure that the oversized adult female is lionized for her physical as well as her internal beauty.

So although the adult clothing and hygienic products market has made huge progress in showcasing the beauty of larger adult females, it is surprising that in spite of their standing ovations for this work, very little has been accomplished for the oversized or plus size child.

There seems to be only recently more press and consideration for plus size children through greater focus on dietary needs and physical education in school lunch programs and gyms.  This is commendable, however, in the meantime, these children need clothing that caters to their current needs.  Peer groups can be hostile and a misery when children are struggling with weight issues or are simply genetically larger than their classmates.

With the concentration of "hoodie" type clothing for boys which tends to be extremely oversized, our young boys are 'covered' and a part of the 'in crowd' no matter what their size.  Almost the opposite is true for girls where there is great focus on tight and revealing clothing, thanks in large part to popular media such as MTV. Most kids want to look "cool" and be accepted by the 'in groups' of their choice.

We all suffered through adolescence and many of us would probably agree it is the most difficult of years. Unfortunately, our youth (just as we were then) are almost always assessed by their peers, first and foremost, by how they look.  It's a fact. It's inescapable. Even as adults, opinions are often made instantly about us, depending on how we look. We may not always be aware of it, or even care as adults, but it's a fact.

It is estimated that there are about 6 million children who are overweight in the United States today, and this number continues to grow in spite of programs aimed at reducing their weight.  According to Newsweek research, 1 in 3 children is currently overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.

In schools this can be a huge disadvantage for youngsters in their daily social setting of the school classroom and playground.  It is easy to imagine the devastating effect this has on their learning as well. According to the National Education Association, a school experience for oversized children tends to be one of "ongoing prejudice, unnoticed discrimination and almost constant harassment."

In the meantime, there are groups that actively embrace the needs of oversize children such as the National Association to
Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) which offers many helpful suggestions and projects designed for children to help them learn how to deal with their weight concerns and body issues.

Groups that are supporting oversize (we avoid using the word "fat" since it has such a negative connotation) children in this way are to be lauded, but the reality is that these children are in school now and dealing daily with peer groups that can be absolutely hostile to those who do not fit into their stereotypical molds.

What can be done to assist our oversized children? An easy and obvious starting point is with their clothing which needs to be suitable and fashionable to their age group. Sometimes we are seeing the need for oversize children to move right into adult size clothing, which can be a great problem in regard to sizing and appropriateness.

As adults we know the difference a good outfit can make when we are felling low about our weight or any physical aspect of ourselves which we perceive as flawed. It makes sense that our children would feel the same way, probably even more so at their tender ages and inability to escape the school courtroom.

Helping our oversized children to look good will help them fit in better at school and give their confidence a much needed boost as they struggle through these demanding years of puberty and adolescence.

Here are some suggestions that might help as your prepare your child to 'style' for the school year.

• Look at the fashions (magazines, catalogs, roaming the malls) and become aware of what is 'in' for this age group.
• Analyze the fashionable clothing within the context of your child's shape and body size to determine what is most flattering for her. When you shop online, actively search for those styles that match what would look right on your child or allow yourself an open mind to consider what is attractive clothing, trying to see clothing from your child's point of view.  Be discerning but take into account every aspect of your child's needs.
• When your oversize girl wants to wear something very fashionable but obviously meant for a skinny Lindsay Lohan (for some of us it was Twiggy)   type body, do a little investigating to see if you can find similar styles that are less revealing and more forgiving. You might even choose the same outfit but add a tank top or an open shirt to make it more appropriate and comfortable for your child.
• If you have dusty sewing skills, brush them off and consider investing in a small sewing machine.  With the help of your child, choose some patterns and fabric that are trendy but suitable, and let your creative instincts guide you. Make adjustments that flatter your child's shape. Include her fashion advice and input as your designs for her take shape.
• Don't forget the importance of impeccable grooming at all times.  Having a great hair cut and attractive styling is very important to maintaining a beautiful look and will give a huge boost of confidence.  In the meantime excellent grooming takes more attention away from body size issues and proclaims to all that this child cares about her appearance.
• Accessories can make a huge contribution to great style - check out jewelry, trendy scarves, school bags, hand bags, socks, hair clips, and all the smaller items that  attractively showcases the clothing your child wears.  Accessories proclaim your child's creative and aesthetic sense and foster an awareness of the unique as well as an appreciation for details.
• Consider a distinct color theme each season - it is much easier to design a wardrobe with a color scheme so that more outfits will combine easily and attractively.
• Make sure staple garments are of the best quality - a good pair of jeans for instance, are important. Your child will probably need two pairs at least - a slouchy pair for casual and a more stylized pair to dress up.  This type of planning needs to be donw with her, and those staple pieces need to be of the best construction and fabrics. The oversized child is probably going to wear her clothing a bit harder than a smaller sized child would.
• Sometimes oversized children are mistaken for being older than they really are - this happens frequently in education and is often discussed at teacher workshops. It's easy to unwittingly expect greater emotional and mental maturity from children who appear to be more physically mature.  This is another excellent reason for making sure your child does NOT dress older than their age group. It is not only teachers who can err in assuming your child is older than she is, based on appearance. It will mean a little more work for you to ensure that she is always dressed and appearing age appropriate, but is well worth the effort!
• Personal hygiene, while critically important for us all, may even be more important for your oversized child. She will need your help in keeping up with her physical growth needs and changes. Approach thes times with a light heart and help her come to terms and accpet these changes in herself. Take her shopping or surprise her with lovely brands, trendy ones if possible, of deodorants and sanitary pads which are nto particularly inspiring but can be offset by the little delights of dabbling in a bit of lipstick or makeup (minimal!) along with attention to nails. You might consider a regular pedicure/manicure for you both to help keep you better in touch with her during this time.
• Consider a combination of shopping in malls and online. Mall shopping allows you to become quickly aware how certain types of clothing look on her and what she feels good wearing. Online shopping allows you to easily view fashions at any time of day or night and gently discuss fashions with her quietly and privately without the stress of a saleslady waiting or other shopping distractions. One excellent online clothing outlet for doll clothing and children's plus size clothing is Doll Clothes Superstore.   Doll Clothes Superstore Put it on your list of websites to view with your child.
• Ensure that your child is getting plenty of exercise. Do everything in your power to promote plenty of physical movement and play.
• Promote a nutritious diet. Eliminate unwholesome snacks, meals and drinks from your child's diet, including supervision over what your child is eating at school.
• Read up! And encourage her to read too! Your local library has information on adolescence and all the issues involved. Research magazines and see if there are any that have articles or show an empathy for the trials of teenage years, and most particularly to the body issues that are a part of growing up!  Consider subscribing to them after discussing with your child. There are also 'internet libraries' that can be immensely helpful with tips and suggestions for your child

You want your child to feel comfortable with her peers, and to be accepted. Currently there is not enough market attention to oversize children; consequently you are going to be challenged. We stress that it is well worth the effort! These tender years of development for your child require a generous amount of care, guidance, and education.

Have we digressed? Not really. We started talking about clothing and that's where we return...clothing IS important!  We can hear preached from the pulpits all kinds of sermons on the importance of internal beauty and we agree completely...but adolescence does not necessarily subscribe to that philosophy alone.  Those years are overloaded with attention to the physical. This is reality. The adolescent peer group has only increased in importance in this past century. There is little we can do but help our plus sized children (and all children) through this phase as they gow and develop. We want then to thrive.

Self confidence is critical to healthy development. Outward  appearance contributes significantly to confidence in children, just as it often does to adults as well.

This delicate period in which your child is experiencing not only massive physical development, but also emotional and mental development, can have strong links to her physical perception of herself and how she is accepted and perceived by her peers.

Do everything in your power to assist her - it is not catering to the superficial, it is catering to her immediate and essential needs. Clothing IS important, along iwth the other issues of personal hygiene, nutrition, physical exercise, etc.

When shopping online, take your lovely oversized girl with you - go through clothing lines together and don't overreact to any ideas she might have about fashion. Keep the lines of communication wide open.

Your goal is to work together with your child to discover and order clothing that will make her feel great about herself, help her to feel fashionable and accepted in her social group and bring her closer to you durning a time that is charged with the emotion, frustration and stress endemic to growing up in a decade that is not an easy one by any means.

We wish you evey good wish is your search

for age and style appropriate clothing

for your lovely little oversized girl!