Everyone has their own way of being a parent, and that includes how they dress their kids. But when 26-year-old Caitlin Fladager from Vancouver said she likes to buy cheaper clothes for her children, it caused quite a stir. People criticized her, calling her a bad mom and pointing out that she wears expensive clothes herself while dressing her kids in cheaper ones. Fladager didn’t let the criticism get to her and defended her choices. She explained that kids tend to be rough on their clothes, and what matters most to them is being happy and engaged, not the brand of their clothes. One person on her Facebook page wrote, “Your kids only wear clothes from Walmart, while you get dressed up a lot. Not a good look for you as a mom.”
In her explanation, she shared how she often hears remarks about her children wearing clothes exclusively from Walmart while she dresses up frequently. These comments don’t paint her in a positive light as a mother. However, she confidently stated that her children’s wardrobe mainly consists of Walmart clothes for valid reasons. She emphasized that unlike her kids, she doesn’t constantly outgrow her clothes, spill food or dirt on them, play in the dirt for hours, trip and rip holes in new outfits, or change her mind about what colors she wants to wear. Being aware of her role as a mother, she understands that children can be messy, enjoying playing in the dirt and spilling food. Therefore, she consciously chooses to buy cheaper clothes for them to avoid scolding them over minor accidents or restricting their freedom to explore and have fun. Her goal is to be the kind of mom who sees a spill and dismisses it as no big deal, who doesn’t mind if her children ruin their clothes while playing in the dirt.
She believes it’s important to teach them that life is about more than just having nice, expensive clothing. For her children, Walmart clothes bring joy because they can spill, get dirty, and outgrow them without any worries. She proudly shared a picture of her kids wearing an outfit she recently bought, covered in dirt and happily enjoying ice cream, embodying the carefree and joyful childhood she wants for them. Looking at that picture reminds her why she chooses to buy clothes for her children from Walmart. The memories of dirt, smiles, and shared moments of happiness hold greater value than a photo of them wearing clothes they dislike and will outgrow quickly. This perspective brings her immense happiness and reinforces her decision without any feelings of guilt.
Ultimately, the discussion about Caitlin Fladager’s parenting choices goes beyond just clothes. It taps into the core of what it means to be a parent—caring for, guiding, and ensuring the well-being of one’s children. Every parent wants what’s best for their kids. While the way parents dress their children may be a topic of disagreement, it’s important to remember that parenting is a personal journey, and each family has the right to choose their own unique approach.
