Should a 5-Year-Old Be Allowed to Choose His Own Clothes?

A Bull family member is need of our help ...

Dear Michele:

I've heard you talk about your four kids. I was hoping that you and maybe some listeners could give me some advice. My 5-year-old son is starting kindergarten and wants to dress himself. None of his clothing matches and I'm worried his friends and others will make fun of him for the way he looks. He is insisting on picking out his own clothes. My husband and I are torn over what to do. Do we allow him to pick his own clothes OR do we save him from himself and demand he wear what we tell him to? What would you do if you were us?

- Thanks, Lisa

Here is my thought, Lisa: He's 5, let him march to the beat of his own drum. Let him wear what he wants! Reinforce that it's OK to be different in a world where everyone tries so hard to be accepted. That his true friends won't care if his clothes match. What matters is that he is comfortable and confident in the clothes he picks out. If you start making him aware that he doesn't look good then you are telling him that he has to look a certain way for other people. And that's the wrong message to send at such a young age.

What do you think, Bull family? Should Lisa's son be allowed to dress how he wants?