Thanks, Hec! That was my instinct, but I wanted to see what more experienced parents thought.

I'd agree with Hec -- too pretty because of the mean kids plays more like a wistful "I love it... but I can't wear it... *sob*". What you're describing sounds more like "not my style and I don't want it", which, go team tomboy!

Not a parent, but based on what you're saying, Susan, it sounds like she's trying to say, "That's too feminine for my taste" but doesn't yet have the vocabulary.

On the other hand, you might want to touch base with the grownups at daycare. Maybe phrase it as asking whether they're seeing any issues that you may not be seeing.

I think Hec has the right idea. Maybe try introducing other words - busy, frilly, flowery....whatever...and see if she shifts from "pretty" to something more descriptive.

CJ is just NOW, at 11 years old, getting picky over what he wears. Must be a boy thing to not care for so long.

Must be a boy thing to not care for so long.

I've known a fair few who haven't yet started to care at 30 (or 40, or 50...)

Very much a boy thing. Though sadly, doesn't mean they start preferring things that look GOOD on them...

I took 4 A levels. An ABB offer meant that if I got one A and two Bs among the 4, I was in. It was a total surprise, because it was achievable.

Huh. I think the whole A level thing is just so different that it confuses me. Especially when I read wikipedia and see this comparison:

A Level Result UCAS Points Equivalent IB Diploma Score
B,B,C 280 24
A,A,A 360 28
A,A,A,C 440 31
A,A,A,A 480 33
A,A,A,A,B 560 36
A,A,A,A,A 600 38

Knowing that I ended up with something like 36 IB points (perhaps I misremember?). Which seems like it couldn't possibly be right (and the "UCAS points" I'm not even touching)

Ellie dressed herself this morning. She left the house wearing - white onesie with a red whale on it, red pigtail holders (done by me), orange, white and hot pink flower shorts, and light and hot pink sneakers. Even if she didn't match, she still looked really cute.

Susan's post has made me think that I should stop fretting over how much longer it takes for her to dress herself and be glad she's developing a sense of herself.

Susan, it might be that Anabel just doesn't like the "girly" things, although if someone has been telling her that pretty clothes aren't for her, you should smack them. Some people don't do ruffles or prints - or maybe she just doesn't want clothes she has to fuss with or worry about.

Or, if she's really into running and playing hard, she may find it more difficult to do in more traditional girl clothes.

My parents once bought me a blue velvet long coat, and while it was really pretty, it was nigh impossible to play basketball or kickball in.

Also, how do YOU dress, Susan? She may reject "pretty" as being not her style because she wants to wear what looks cool on Mom. Nothing wrong with that either.