In Response: Why Glitter Shoes and Pajamas are the Perfect Choice for Grocery Store Shopping

Most of the time, I hold sister loyalty in the highest regard.  As the oldest of four sisters, I uphold the code of "You don't mess" when it comes to the sister clan.  Come down hard on glitter and pajamas, however, and I am forced to go head to head with the ones I love the most.   This morning, my sister, against her better judgment, made the argument that toddlers should not be allowed to go on outings in their dress-up clothes.  Such sacrilege cannot be ignored, so in an effort to maintain positive relations between the siblings, I offer this honest, upfront counter-argument in hopes that my sister will see the error of her ways.

• Glitter shoes make them happy.  Yes, it's true.  There are so many arguments to be had in the toddler years--why add this one to the list?  I promise your two year old boy will eventually decide glitter isn't his best shoe option sooner than later, so why not let him have his bliss now when the stakes are low.
• Pajamas are comfy.   Another point of contention in toddler world is that your mother insists on dressing you appropriately for place and weather when what would really feel the most comfortable are these footy pajamas.  I say take the path of least resistance and go for creature comforts.  The store trip will be much more pleasant, I promise you.
• Dress-up is age appropriate.  Little kids are figuring out what's real, what's not and who they want to become.  Limit the dress-up option and limit the range of potential they see before them.   By letting them "try on" different identities, you give them the opportunity to expand their horizons and experience the power they desperately need and crave in order to properly develop.  Let's face it, don't you wish once in a while that you could be a diva, complete with crown, jewels and martini, at the bakery?  or a cowboy, rustling up the grub at the deli counter?  A taste of that kind of dressup power will not kill anyone.
• Nothing makes the world happier than seeing a kid in full costume regalia.  C'mon.  Don't you smile when you see a beleaguered mother trailing around a princess or a pirate complete with eye patch and attitude?  Your embarrassment will fade once you realize that the Universe shines brighter when we let kids be kids.

One small concession to my sister:  I agree our cousin's wedding or the boss's family party might not be the best forum for this kind of creativity, but I still say a nod to the dramatic in your child's dress choice won't kill anyone.  In our case, that is glitter shoes, lipgloss and a little glittery powder.  For Madeleine AND Carter.  What else are they going to talk about at the watercooler?   ;)

What say you mothers and fathers of Minti???  Will you ban the frog boots to the post office?  Will you bring back glitter in full form?  Comments open below.