I think kids are more sensitive about used clothes at the middle school age, because they are pretty insecure about their place in the world - the middle school world, which is all that counts! - at that age.

My kids were used to second hand clothes from the thrift store and yard sales, but they did worry that people would make fun of them at that age. I avoided yard sales in my own neighborhood, and I always just washed any clothes I bought them and hung them in their closets. I bought really, really nice stuff, too!

I pointed out that they were not obligated to tell anyone where their clothes came from, whether it was from the mall or from Goodwill - all they ever had to say was "I dunno. My mom bought it."

They've all gotten over it by the time they were in high school, and are pretty enthusiastic about thrift stores by the time they've gotten to college.

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"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." --Matthew 5:9