To wonder why people do this because it disturbs me?

[Gossipmonster]

On holiday in Portugal there was a family with three gorgeous boys ages approx 12 - 7.

Dressed identically for the entire week.

Why do people do this? Does it not stifle the children creating their own identity?

More importantly what happens when soneone spills something/needs to change?

Does everyone then have to change?

I think it is a good idea as it easier to keep an eye on the children

Eh? Like a family uniform?!

Don't be ridiculous, of course they don't ALL change. That would be stupid. They all chuck food on themselves so they match.

On a serious note. Lots of families wear the same coloured sweat shirts etc at theme parks and like. I think this is eminently sensible actually, and worth the public humiliation.

How on earth do people have the time/inclination to organise matching outfits like that?! If my children are wearing clothes at all I consider that a success

I like it, I loved that couple who invented the pink flamingo lawn ornaments, made millions and dressed in matching every day. I think unless they are twins who often get referred to as a pair there wouldn't be any identity issues. Think of the time saved shopping too.

I laughed at the idea of a change. "Fuck's sake Marion, Jake spilt his ribina again! Take them all to the walk in wardrobe and for the love of the baby Jesus no more white t-shirts!"

I had a friend stay with me once who "did" this to her two young DDs and used to change everyone if someone split something.

I felt this created needless washing?

But what do I know I don't have matching children - one of them is even a different colour from the other two :)

I hate when children dress tge same and they are not twins. I even think twins dressed the same is a bit :S

Went on holiday with my elderly father, whose entire suitcase contained 5 pairs of Brown shorts and 5 identical yellow tshirts.

It looked like he hadnt been changed or washed all week... Esp as he 'gives up grooming' on his holiday!

was like castaway!

I thinking of getting my daughters matching neon sunhats for the summer so they are easy to spot.

Isn't it easier to buy matching outfits? and if you are shopping for budget clothes in supermarkets, there isn't that much to choose from.

I don't think they do it on purpose specifially to disturb you GM

but ikwym.

My mum used to dress my sister and I in the same things, but different colours. We both hated it and I vowed never to do the same to my children. the closest we came to was last year for the jubilee celebrations. I had ordered them some t-shirts from next (different ones) but they weren't as nice in the flesh. I ended up going to sainsbury's and buying the boys the same T shirt, though they had different shorts on. I hate to admit it, but they did look quite cute . After the event though, I have not let them leave the house wearing them together; I'll always make one go and change.

Noi idea about everyone needing to change if one does; hadn't really given it that much thought, but now that you mention it...it does seem a tad freaky; especially if more than two chldren!

I'm right there with you! I hate it even when it's two kids with matching 'anything' - even coats, let alone a whole tribe! Makes me Let the poor kids be themselves not sodding clones!!

I think dressing children in he same outfits all the time or the larks is a little weird though.

They are aliens struggling with 'blending in'. Have you noticed how they haven't got the hang of making big holes and burying people in the sand?

I think the eldest may even have been 13 - my 15 year old DS1 would never speak to me again if I had done this to him.

My three boys had matching white sun hats for the beach when they were small so we could spot them easily.

I wouldn't have extended it to t-shirts though.

My dds like wearing the clothes. Its rare I buy matching outfits that they would wear outside the house but they do get a kick out of wearing matching nightgowns etc

I sort of like it...I buy matching swimsuits for my boys are easy to spot at the pool .

I think we think about this stuff a bit too much maybe.

Me and my siblings were dressed alike most of the time (my mum had to make a lot of our clothes). We don't do it now

Stopped when we were mid thirties IIRC

so they are easy to spot.

My adult brother and I have a very similar style and sometimes turn up at events dressed in virtually identical outfits.

Absolutely not helped by the fact we look like twins.

I have in the past made him change when I've turned up at his house wearing a too similar outfit

I remember a Disney security lady saying matching gear made life easier when looking for lost adults in the park. And made it easier for small lost persons to explain what mum and dd were wearing.

It was t-shirts, shorts, socks, trainers. EVERYTHING!

DH and I marvelled over the coordination the entire week - we wondered if it extended to underwear .

I accidentally offended my neighbour by talking about this phenomenon, and how my sister and i hated being dressed the same as children, even though it didn't happen often. I then noticed her 2 dds were dressed identically, and she rather curtly told me she thinks it's cute.

I really must remember to take notice of my surroundings before opening my mouth.

Yes, I think you are allowed to be disturbed by that, GossipMonster. Tbh I'm disturbed by proxy.

Our mum did sometimes dress us in identical outfits as children. When I was about 3 or 4 she put us in matching sailor outfits for my cousin's christening. I am just grateful there were no little sailor hats included!