thrift stores vs new

You are definately NOT a bad mom. :) My family all go to the thrift stores for clothing unless they don't have the right size. I am trying and seem to be succeeding in teaching my children the value of a dollar. (fingers crossed) A lot of the teenagers now are made to believe this by other teens. I know with our family it is too expensive to go to name brand stores and the like so we do what we can with what we have. Just hope your kids don't find out.... ;)

OMG NO!!! thats not a bad mom at all..in fact IMO its just one more thing that makes a parent a GOOD parent...We shop at thrift stores as well...both my kids are teens and though for school we do buy them new stuff, we get them second hand stuff too...Cost of living is TOO DAMN HIGH these days and we'd much rather buy good quality second hand for a fraction of the price like you said and use the money we saved on other things for the family, house etc etc ya know....Plus being one who sews..I can take something second hand, recon it and make it not only somehting completely new but also unique which the kids love..

I don't know if you have these stores anywhere nearby, but have you heard of Plato's closet? It's like a thrift store for name brand clothing. They are actually very picky about what they take in, and only accept clothing such as Silver Jeans, American Eagle, etc. They charge more than say goodwill would, but it's definitely more reasonable than buying them new. For example, I bought a pair of Silver Jeans there and they are normally around 70 dollars and I got them for 25. I don't think it's a bad thing that you are buying clothes from a thrift shop and playing them off as new though. You should tell them one day...but not until they can appreciate it ;)

You aren't a bad mom, you are simply smart. There is nothing wrong with thrift store clothes. It is the EXACT same brand that your children are over paying for at the mall. I say good job on your part. They need to get over any silly inhibitions they have and realize they could have so much more clothes if they played it thrifty.