Back to School Shopping

I've ben buying my own clothing since I started babysitting at the age of 12. Buy them what style, brand etc you want if they don't like they can get jobs and supply themselves with their underwear, socks, etc

You've reached the age where they're adults now. They need to learn how to navigate these things themselves. That's not to say they need to pay for everything themselves, but they do need to learn how to work withing a reasonable budget.

When I was in college, my parents paid my tuition and housing. They also took care of my health insurance and gave me a car to use. I paid gas, they paid insurance. I stayed with them during the summer, and they kept the fridge well stocked! Everything else was up to me. Clothes, entertainment and other expenses during the summer and school year.

Set up a system that you can both live with. It's reasonable to give them a certain amount, and once they go over that it's up to them.

We all have certain things we really care about and other things that do not matter as much. I really like name brand toilet paper and facial tissues. I also, love Jiff peanut butter. Most other things, generic is fine. We all pick and choose, right? But you have to live within your budget.

My kids are in elementary school and I let them choose their underware and socks and most of their clothes unless I see some problem with it...i.e. they don't need it at all, they have too much of it etc. They have a budget to spend and when it's gone, it's gone...they've learned from their mistakes now and rarely do I need to step in. It's funny, they are VERY conservative on how they spend their clothing money now.

Give them a budget for what it would cost to purchase generic brand items. If they want name brand, they can fork over the money for it.

I remember battling with my mom over getting expensive Guess jeans in high school. We solved the battle by my parents giving me a back-to-school budget. I could choose what to spend my money on and that was it.

You might do the same, especially with college-aged kids. Your son may care less about brand names when he has to budget for them.

As far as fighting or debating about socks, underwear and t-shirts with college age children, never. If they're past 10 or so I allow them to make those decisions.

As far as wanting brand names only, my daughter did that, which led me to giving her a clothing allowance for her to budget (boy, did her tastes change!) seeking out sales and outlet shopping.

I've dealt with a lot with my children, my oldest son was kidnapped and out of the country for 10 years, 9 months, my daughter was molested by a highly trusted family member when she was 5. These traumatic events led to many years of anger, frustration, counseling and acting out on their part. Seriously, be thankful if your biggest problems with your boys is clothes shopping❤

My sons were much the same - opposite likes/dislikes too. We would have a discussion on what items needed to be replaced or additional new items were in the running to buy as well as where some of the best places were to buy items. To help keep my sanity and stop the arguing, I said to them, "You are definitely old enough to make those types of decisions. Here is your list and $X for you to spend on back to school things. Just remember, this is all you will get from me so think before buying. IF you need help, you know where to find me" It was also around this time that I was teaching them how to do their own laundry. I urged them to look at laundry recommendations too when choosing school clothes. My oldest bought 30 pairs of underwear with some of his money. When I questioned him he said that with 2 a day football practice, he would go through that many within a week! So for him, it made sense. He also bought many wrinkle free/stain guard items as he was opposed to using an iron. Oh well, it worked for him. Hope this helps you and your sons.

I always buy my boys boxer briefs which is the type of underwear that they prefer, otherwise, they won't want to wear them. Undies need to be comfy. As far as brand names go, in theory, no one will see them so they get what's on sale. lol

I haven't gotten to that stage yet :) But have you tried TJ Max or Marshalls? I know they carry a variety of brand names and you would probably get a better deal there? My oldest daughter is 12, she does have particular stores that she likes to shop at but also knows the value of a dollar only because she gets an allowence and she uses her own money to pay for things she wants, I don't let her do it all the time but I look at it in a way shes learning to be more responsible with "her" money and much more wiser.... Maybe they should start buying their things and let them see how much you pay for the nice things they get? Just a thought! Good Luck!
P.s. any good deals yet on school supplies?

All I can say is - you're lucky you have boys. I only have one very easy going daughter but I have friends who have daughters who argue over every single item of clothing they wear. I honestly think that underwear does make a difference. It has to be comfortable. My husband wears boxer briefs because that's what feels comfortable to him. I wouldn't dream of buying him something he wasn't comfortable in. I wouldn't want to wear underwear or anything that was uncomfortable to me.

Just give them a budget and let them pick out what they want.
Better yet, just give them the money to shop for themselves, I think they are too old to be shopping for their underwear with mom.
And if you're worried they can't manage it, now is an excellent time for them to learn!

I agree with most of the posters here. Give them a budget for what you are going to spend and when it's gone. It's gone. If I was buying, they'd get what was on sale or what was cheaper. If he wants the name brand, let him come up with the difference in price. They are going off to college, they need to learn to be thrifty and practical. Tuition is going up, not down. This is all part of growing up and teaching them budgeting etc. Congradulations on getting two sons into college. It's hard raising kids nowdays. Good job mom.