Advice Please - My little one hates a formal attire

Eight years old is old enough to understand that sometimes you dress up for special occassions (like holidays), and that sometimes we do things we don't want to do (like chores), and that we do out-of-the-ordinary things for people we love (like buying a birthday gift).


Besides that, the wedding should count as "one thing" unless your ceremony and reception are on different days. If you allow him to change in between, I would suggest one level of formality down; eg, if he's wearing a suit to the ceremony, then khakis and a button-up to the reception.

View Quoted Comment He has dermatographia that would set him into panic attack kind of thing when wearing something he isn’t comfortable in 😓. So far he always wear lose jogger for that reason.

View Quoted Comment Are there other fabrics he's comfortable in? Could you also get clothing in a larger size so the fabric doesn't feel as restricting?


It may also help to have him wear the clothes in short bursts leading up to the event. Children like routine, so the shock of wearing something different could also be playing a role here. See if he can wear it 10 minutes in the house, then gradually build up to longer and longer periods of time. Also, if you take him shopping with you and allow him to pick out something he likes (or will tolerate, lol), that will go a long way.

View Quoted Comment I am preparing him mentally. My family also knows that his panic attack comes mentally and sets the dermatographia, even though it’s much better than when he was a toddler, it’s still risky.


Nothing is open to shop right now, and he is as skinny as 4-5 years old, but as tall as 7 years old. Buying him a larger size won’t make his pants stay up 🤣
I should try to let him gradually wear a formal pants like you suggest! Thank you. I haven’t think of that. He get off that pants just a few seconds after he tried it on. Maybe I should start bribing him with points for each 10 minutes, leading up to stuff he could get for them!
Thank you!!!💋

It sounds like COMFORT really is the most important factor here for your son to relax and enjoy your wedding. I wouldn't worry at all him "looking weird" next to you at the reception. Just buy his favorite joggers in a color that works overall, and consider this problem solved.

View Quoted Comment I will look for a jogger that looks cool, and maybe add those tshirt that looks like tux? 🤣