There is a huge difference between what we expect kids' clothing to be and what it actually is or expectations and reality to be exact. We think of kids' wear as being cute, stylish, and well-made, but the reality is often quite different. 

Kids' wear is also often designed more for function than for kids' fashion. Many kid's wear is simply functional items that are meant to be comfortable and easy to move in. While this is certainly important, it doesn’t make for very stylish clothing.

Of course, this does not exclude you from dressing them up. Dressing your kid can be just as much fun as having one! It does, however, imply that you should control your expectations and the real look of clothes. If you're determined to shoot the perfect street style image for Instagram, odds are it'll end in tears and a nap (for both of you). But if you relax a little and let their growing fashion sense take over, you'll have photographs and anecdotes that will make you laugh for years to come.

Outfit sets will remain set.

His orange plaid lizard top, which went with his lizard-adorned bathing shorts, matches everything, every day, and in every way. 

Some good accessories can transform your child into a fashion icon.

No kid has ever been tasteful. If they were left to their own devices, everything would be wrapped in glitter and include cartoon figures. Or they'll fall head over heels with the one filthy t-shirt they won't even take off, even to wash. They'll be naked otherwise.

You can make your child wear the itchy sweater his grandmother crocheted for him.

You might get him in it, but he'll be grumpy, ready to shred it at the first opportunity, and desperate to make everyone else suffer.

Jeans are an informal and comfortable type of apparel.

Jeans are stiff-fabric leg prisons with buttons that pinch, tags that irritate, pockets that serve no purpose, and seams that "bother me" no matter what. Basketball shorts, leggings, and athletic pants are frequently the best (or only) option for many children.

Your child will want to look just like mom or dad.

No, your child does not want to be a mini-you. It's best to let them develop their own style, even if it means dressing like the opposite gender or wearing the same thing every day. If you try to force them into clothes they don't like, they'll just end up taking them off anyway.

Your kids will look like mini-adults.

Your kids will look like kids. And that's perfectly okay!

Fancy shoes make an outfit.

No one cares about shoes except for you. Your kids will be just as happy running around barefoot or in Crocs as they would be in designer sneakers. In fact, they'll probably be more comfortable. And no matter how much you spend on those cute little shoes, they're going to outgrow them.

Your kids will happily try on clothes in the store and at home.

You're lucky if you can get him/her to keep the clothes on for more than 10 seconds, let alone try them on before buying them. At home, he'll/she'll strip down at the first opportunity and run around naked, because why not? He's/she's free!

Kids' wear is often not as cute, stylish, or well-made as we would like them to be. Dressing your kids can be a challenging but fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to manage your expectations. Just because you think something is cute doesn't mean your kids will agree! Let them have a say in what they wear, and try to relax and enjoy the process.

However, this does not mean that dressing your kids is any less fun! Just relax and let their growing kids' fashion sense take over for a while. You'll have photographs and anecdotes that will make you laugh for years to come. And there are also expectations and reality that you can laugh with!