Frith O’Steen

As faithful readers of Decker’s blogs may remember, he has grown an inch since his first birthday 3 months ago. So I’ve been out shopping lately and trying to find some cute and cheap winter clothes for him. Having been pleasantly surprised by the options available to little boys up to now (ie: from newborn through 18 months), I figured it wouldn’t be too hard to keep finding some basic, sweet (but not too sweet) little boy outfits for my little guy. However…there seems to be a general concensus out there among the clothing manufacturers that once a little boy turns 18 months, his parents immediately want to start dressing him like he’s 5 years old (they only get to wear cute baby stuff for such a short while as it is!), and more specifically, they have divided your choices into the following categories:

* Future Athletes - ie: sports logos, bright t-shirts and sweat suits with pictures of sports equipment on it, etc.

* Future Construction Workers - shirts with construction equipment, etc.

* Future NASCAR drivers - shirts with race cars, motorcycles, et al

* Future Investment Bankers - little blazers and trousers that look like the child is heading to work over at Wall St

* Future Duck Hunter/Soldier - lots of camouflage, bright orange, hunting caps, and such

Forget being able to find anything even remotely resembling a color besides orange, gray, red, navy, sometimes yellow (mustardy and bright), forest green, and black. My son’s not even 2 yet! Where are the pastels that were considered ok for him to wear as a younger kid? Where are the little farm animals? Why is he only allowed to wear dinosaurs now?

I’m not trying to sound snobby - after all, Decker has had some cute little overalls with embroidered tools on them, things like that. But…it still seems like he is given so few options, beginning at a really young age. And it’s pretty bad for girls too (although I would argue not as limiting) - so many clothes being marketed out there seem to want them to dress like little hookers at the age of 3!

Sigh…All I ask is a basic pair of overalls. Or a onesie without superheroes, football players, or racecars on it. For heavens sake…

Gripe Gripe Gripe…