T-shirts cause insecurities, says teacher
Glib phrases on children’s clothing like ‘‘I’m so cute’’ and ‘‘I’m pretty’’ are creating insecurities and damaging kids’ self-confidence, an early childhood teacher-turned designer says.
Courtney Hulse worked at a Taupo¯ early childhood centre for nine years.
The qualified ECE teacher said it is common knowledge that children react to what adults say, and how they act.
What children wear, though, doesn’t get considered enough, she said.
‘‘Children will always ask adults what the writing on their top says,’’ Hulse said.
‘‘I’m a teacher and this little girl would always come up and say, ‘Do you like my top? Do you like what’s on it?’
The 3-year-old was insecure, Hulse said.
‘‘She would always look for the reaction of the adult, and adults would say ‘Oh my gosh, aren’t you beautiful aren’t you stunning’.
‘‘And she had all her confidence built up on adults telling her she was beautiful and cute.’’
Parents weren’t to blame, as mass produced clothes with simple messaging dominated the market, Hulse said.
‘‘At [a department store], the child will go up to something with a unicorn or sparkles on it, and the parent buys it to please the child – even though they might not be happy about the writing on the top,’’ Hulse said.
‘‘I feel sorry for parents because it’s not their fault. The market, until now, has been really poor with the options.’’
Hulse is determined to change the status quo.
Since April, she’s been selling gender-neutral clothing for young children that have phrases focusing on children’s abilities and their potential.
‘‘For example, ‘A dreamer, a thinker, a creator’, is one of the T-shirt slogans we have.
‘‘Children have dreams; they think about that, then they create it.
‘‘They have no boundaries. Children have ideas and have full confidence in creating something new.’’
Courtney May Children’s Collection can be found on Facebook.
* The Courtney May Children’s Collection features in the Taupo Fashion Show on October 28 at the Great Lake Centre. Tickets $40 from Taupo Hire and Crown Glamour