Many moms feel like they can’t wear jewelry because they are afraid their children are going to break their beautiful pieces. While this is definitely a possibility, here are some tips you can use to help minimize that chance. I have derived these tips from my personal experience with my little girl who is 22 months old at the time of this writing. I wear my jewelry (a necklace and a bracelet) everyday and started when my little one was about 9 months old.
Guidelines
Here are the rules/guidelines that I have in place with my little girl. Super simple!
- It never goes in your mouth.
- No pulling.
I have always allowed my little one to touch my lockets, necklaces and bracelets, but if one of the two rules were violated, then she would not be allowed in my arms. After a short break, I would pick her back up and we would try again. Just like anything else in parenting, you teach them what is appropriate and be consistent with the rules.
Jewelry Choices
There are many different options available when choosing the type of jewelry you wear. For the time while your children are young and still learning, you will want to choose something that is well made and can withstand the occasional tug. For necklaces, a thicker chain will be better than something thin and for bracelets, a stronger band or bangle would be better than a delicate chain. You will also want to think about the chain length for necklaces. Usually the longer chains will get in the way and there is a higher chance for your child to get tangled up in it. Look for chains in the 16″ to 22″ length range. After a while when the child clearly understands the Guidelines, then you shouldn’t have a problem with the thinner or longer chains or the more delicate bracelets.
Here is what I usually recommend for my Origami Owl customers. For necklaces, either the 18-20″ Large Oval Chain or the 20″ Toggle Chain to go with any of the lockets. Both chains come in silver, gold or rose gold and the toggle chain also comes in black. For bracelets, any of the leather wraps are perfect and they come in a multitude of colors.
Normalize
One of the biggest keys (besides following the Guidelines) to wearing jewelry around children is to make it a normal piece of your wardrobe. The more you wear it, the less the child is going to be interested in it. Kind of like your wedding ring (if you wear one). The child may touch it or show interest in it sometimes, but because it is there all the time it’s not really a big deal. This doesn’t mean you are only able to wear one necklace or one bracelet. Changing it may spark a small interest in the jewelry from the child, but just continue to follow the guidelines and the little one will catch on.
Children understand pretty quickly so it shouldn’t take long, but it is going to take at least some effort. But if you really love wearing jewelry, don’t let your children be the reason why you don’t wear it.
Want to hang out and talk some more about this topic? Come join me over at The Cher Circle!
Ever since I had my first child, I feel like I’ve never really been able to wear jewelry out of fear that something will get broken or slobbered on. Before reading this, I hadn’t thought about making it a normal piece of my attire so that my kids get used to it. It seems like showing my kids that jewelry is something I like to wear will help them know my fashion sense a little better as well! I’ll be sure to remember this the next time I get some new bracelets or necklaces. Thanks!
Thanks Jane for your comment! I am so happy to hear that this article has helped you!