Shopping with a Teenage Girl: 20 Awesome Tips for Mom

As a mother, shopping with a teenage girl is a bit like walking the tight rope at a circus. Being wiser, as a mother, most of us know what flatters a body at any age. However, teenage girls manage to see something entirely different than our wise eyes when they look in the mirror. This is a recipe for unmatched mother-daughter drama: shopping.

I would agree honesty is the best policy. However, in situations like mother-daughter shopping, honesty is NOT the only policy. There is an art to verbiage.

Mom, do not let this "conflict of interest" steal your fun or dampen the mood on the dollars you worked so hard for ever again! Here are 20 profound sentences to utter that will soothe the shopping experience and delight both mother and daughter.

The first 10 are things mothers should definitely say when they are opposed to the clothing choice. The latter 10 are fantastic ideas to encourage the purchase, in disguise...of course!

Persuade Your Wayward Fashionista

Top 10 ways to discourage the Purchase

1. You have so many things in that color. Let's add POP to your wardrobe...STYLE! This is so...the same ole thing in the same ole color. (Subtle but good - specifically the word "Same." No woman/teen-woman wants to have a closet of "same.")

2. That doesn't bring out the color of your eyes. In fact, it kind of makes you look frumpy.

3. That looks just like a shirt I wore in high school. I love it (reverse phycology)

4. Simply shake your head "no" and frown the MINUTE you see them. (Insecurity planted)

5. Utter as if surprised at your connection, "I saw something just like that at Wal-Mart the other day."

6. Say thoughtfully, "You know that girl, uh...what is her name (refer to girl your daughter dislikes or is the idiot on your street. When daughter recalls name for you...continue) She had something JUST LIKE THAT on the other day!"

7. Exclaim, "Oh my gosh, cute! Did they have that in (name younger sister's) size?"

8. Pause for effect, then say, "Funny, something about that looks like that girl on Wizards of Waverly Place...Harper."

9. Reflectively state, "Awww...that reminds me of when you were little. Darling. What do you think?" (She'll hate it instantly.)

10. Say reluctantly and apologetically, "I think you have the cutest butt, but THAT makes your butt look HUGE. That is a no." (Sincerely, at any age...or shape, this is NEVER a good thing.)

Convince Your Daughter of Truth

How to Sell Your Teenage Daughter on a Clothing Purchase

1. Sincerely say, "That brings out the color of your skin tone or your eyes, I am not sure which. WAIT! Weird...I think for some reason your eyelashes look super long because of that color!"

2. Say sarcastically, "Riiiight...if boys see you in that, they will be like...never mind...take it off." (Act as though you are having second thoughts. Then add...) "Oh, okay, put it in the "maybe" pile...but only because I am in a good mood."

3. Composing a wowed expression say, "That looks like something one of the Kardashian's would wear! I'm not sure it screams classy or too edgy. Let me think about that one."

4. How much is it again? (No matter the cost...act like it is out of budget then...) Roll your eyes and say, "We'll see."

5. Just say, "Wow!" (sincerely) the minute they emerge from the fitting room.

6. Act like you are on their side - and say, "If we buy that, we need to hide it from your dad."

7. Simply say (as if surprised), "Super slimming."

8. Whisper convincingly, "That really makes your boobs look..."fuller" or "more subdued" (whatever is most desired.)

9. It looks kind of skimpy to me...

10. (Now, THIS is a "no-fail" to guarantee your daughter MUST HAVE it.) State plainly, "I hate it."