Suggestions for a 13yo girl?

[psimon]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do with my daughter, age 13? She is one of those girls that lives in shorts, tank tops, sweats, jeans and T shirts. She doesn't like dresses and doesn't like but will almost tolerate skirts (she has a denim skirt, and a black one as well), etc! This isn't to say she's a Tomboy... she just likes comfy, and doesn't think those kind of clothes are!

I read her the rules regarding attire for our 11/2 7-night Eastern cruise and she flipped. She wants to stay comfy, and not get "dressed" for dinner. I realize she can go, BY HERSELF, to Topsiders, or elsewhere for dinner, but I don't want her off by herself for mealtime. On the other hand, I don't need the aggrevation of hearing her bellyache about getting dressed.

She would be happy wearing jeans. I told her no jeans. Are "nice" pants (not jeans) on the approved list? Just trying to find a happy median. Are denim skirts OK?

thank in advance....

Paul

 

[westjones]

Well you can eat at Topsiders instead of the main dining, but I think you would be sorry to miss out on the beautiful dining experience. She could order in room service while the rest of your family ate in the dining rooms. There is plenty of food available without going to the dining rooms.

But, if 'comfy' is the main concern, can you get her a loose cotton 'black' dress and maybe some jewelry. If you have a plain black dress (even if it is cotton) without bottons or collars on it (not a shirt type / polo dress) I think she would be alright. Just keep it simple and she will fit in fine.
DJ

 

[westjones]

Well you can eat at Topsiders instead of the main dining, but I think you would be sorry to miss out on the beautiful dining experience. She could order in room service while the rest of your family ate in the dining rooms. There is plenty of food available without going to the dining rooms.

But, if 'comfy' is the main concern, can you get her a loose cotton 'black' dress and maybe some jewelry. If you have a plain black dress (even if it is cotton) without bottons or collars on it (not a shirt type / polo dress) I think she would be alright. Just keep it simple and she will fit in fine.
DJ

 

[Target]

I have the same problem! My DD14 is a TOMBOY to the max (wears the ball cap backwards on her head!). We have come to this conclusion: For the Captains dinner, she will eat room service. (she is bringing her one black skirt just in case) For the semi formal nights, a nice pair of pants is in order. She will not stick out - DH and I and DD6 will be dressed according to the code, but I am not going to miss having my daughter at dinner with us (and the vacation is no fun if she isn't comfortable). I think a black pair of jeans (new) with a beautiful blouse or light sweater would look fab on your daughter! I agree with you about including the kids in dinner. I am willing to make the Captains dinner the one exception. She will just not feel comfortable. This is their cruise too! Good luck!

 

[danbarbara]

I had the same problem with my 13 yr. old son. But I just received my cruise documents and it reads..."all other dining rooms permit casual wear. No shorts, please." So to me the only thing that they are asking you not to wear is shorts. I was not going to let the dress "code" ruin any part of our vacation. My son will have on a clean shirt and pants and will not look like a slob but he will be wearing what he is comfortable in. We are at the early seating and from what I understand there are more kids at this seating than the late one...Be comfortable and once your daughter sits down - she will only be seen from the waist up. ENJOY!

 

[Wishing on a star]

I have to think, Hey, this isn't for the whole cruise, just for a meal or two... Then, right back to the stateroom and into shorts!! Perhaps some parents haven't really stressed this to the teens, and I can see the teens with this feeling like
Ohhh noooo, I have to 'dress-up' and worry about what I wear on the cruise.

Hey, does anyone have any great positive stories about their teens actually ending up being happy that they dressed up, feeling just so beautiful/handsome and adult? That would be nice to hear!

 

[FOJMO]

YES! There are some happy teens out there when it comes to formal night. My DD and her girlfriend that always comes with us on our cruises, always wear their Homecoming or Prom formals for formal night. That way they are getting a 2nd chance to wear them. Don't get me wrong -- as soon as dinner is over, it's back to shorts/jeans, etc. and off to Common Grounds.

 

[Dancind]

My DD is a comfy/casual dresser, but I took her shopping for dressy gowns, and we had a blast! She fell in love with a crystal blue sparkly BALLGOWN, suitable for a pageant, or at least a Prom! It was on sale, so I got it for her. It had to be taken up in several different places, but she cannot wait to wear it on our Oct. 5 cruise. She even wants to have makeup and style her hair. We may be hours getting ready, but the pictures should be great! Diana

 

[Doctor P]

13 yo DSD loves to dress up. I'm glad we won't have to fight that battle! She is looking forward to shopping for a dress for the formal nights on the cruise.