Express Yourself?

We all know that motherhood can be the most challenging time in a woman's life. There are so many important decisions to make. Being informed and acting at the right moment can make the difference between raising a Marilyn, a Jackie or God forbid, a Rose.

I am touching on the very sensitive topic of when to let your daughters start dressing themselves. Most women face their closet every morning and go in with a Marilyn, Jackie or Rose mentality. Let's talk about the differences.

First, we have our Jackie. Truth be told, most mothers would love to imagine their daughters possessing the style and grace associated with her and if you do it right I believe the Jackie can be achieved. There's a certain elegance and respect for ones body that the Jackie eminates. You could argue that becoming a Jackie means being raised by a Jackie.

Marilyn's tend to choose attire based on sensuality. Is their choice motivated by a sense of ownership and pride of their womanly attributes or are these the girls whose mother's denied them any freedom of choice in their wardrobe and now as grown women are acting out by spilling out? This idea leads us into an entirely different situation. The rare occurance of the Rose McGowan.

The Rose McGowan. When I think Rose McGowan, I think bare naked ass walking down the red carpet arm in arm with Marilyn Manson. I can't stay here long because even the idea of one of my daughters going down this road has me considering polygamy and by that I mean forcing them to wear long sleeve prairie gowns and french braids. This result could be from the mother who was too willing to give their daughter freedom of dress. These girls need to see a professional. Here are a few professionals to turn to: Tom Ford, Oscar DeLaRenta and CoCo Chanel.

Of course I realize that not all girls will fit into one of these categories. You will also have your Annie Hall, young Gwen Stefani and Little Kim.

I think what mothers need to remember is that setting a good example is key. Don't forget that you are in charge of what is purchased at the store. If you don't approve then don't bring it home. So, for now, as Sophie tries to sneak shorts that are 2 sizes too small and a strappy tank top out the front door and Madeleine dons her Snow White Halloween costume and rain boots, I will hope and pray that maybe we'll move somewhere cold so they'll have to cover up anyway.