19 Things That Happen When You Take Your Teenage Daughter Back To School Shopping

    Shopping with teens equals more reason to serve alcohol in stores.

    Amber Dorsey
    by Amber Dorsey

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. The excitement and anticipation.

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    It's going to be great! You love to shop so this should be a breeze, right?

    2. There are delusions of grandeur.

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    You dream that you will giggle together over frappucinos post expedition, but in reality you might have to retreat to separate corners to recover.

    3. Reality sets in.

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    You're already irritated just thinking about the ordeal so no need to glamorize it.

    4. You pray you don't have to go to the mall.

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    Because you practically lived there as a teen means you have no desire to go back with your own. The upside? There's always a cookie place.

    5. You devise a plan and stick to it.

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    Make a list of what she needs and who has the best sales. Also, set a budget and agree on what items are off limits before heading out. It will save you from saying anything negative.

    6. Your teen will have her ideas, and you will have yours.

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    You may not be a fan of their current style. Try not to hurt their feelings when expressing that.

    7. Blowing a fuse.

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    If one or both of you makes it through this without sobbing consider it a win! Take deep breaths and remember what it is you love about each other.

    8. Getting hangry.

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    Shopping on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Shopping with a moody teenager on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. Be sure to eat first and if that's not possible at least carry some snacks to tide you over.

    9. You hope that they have some semblance of style.

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    Understand that they might not really want your help in this department and let them try and figure out if that striped top goes with those plaid pants.

    10. They will get overwhelmed.

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    So. Many. Options. As adults we're much better at narrowing down what we want/need. But hormone-laden teens need a push in the right direction.

    11. You wonder why more stores don't serve alcohol.

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    Would it kill them to offer a little champagne while you waste away waiting for your kid to put on a pair of pants? Sadly, short of carrying around a flask or spiking your coffee there's nothing you can do about this one.

    12. Their general lack of excitement.

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    "Umm, this is for YOU! You could show a little appreciation." Instead of blowing up, maybe focus on an aspect that does interest them.

    13. Their shoe game must be on fleek.

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    These days footwear is just as important as it was back in your day and that can be a source of contention or excitement.

    14. You empathize with your own parents.

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    You now realize one of two things: 1) your parents were right to be irritated at the end of a shopping trip with you. 2) A love for shopping sometimes skips a generation.

    15. They're going to disappear.

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    Instead of being irritated by the momentary disappearance, take a moment to see what they're looking at and help steer them toward options in their price and style range.

    16. You might find your eyes wandering.

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    You might find it hard to fight the urge to duck into your favorite stores in search a little something to make you smile. After hours of buying for someone else it's only right you treat yo' self.

    17. Remember they are not you.

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    Just because YOU wouldn't wear it doesn't mean that they can't. Unless it's totally inappropriate, then by all means, step in and take over.

    18. Try and end on a high note.

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    Chances are you will both be wound a little tightly after all is said and done so go ahead and treat yourselves to a little post-shopping pedicure to relax those nerves and get on the good foot for the year ahead.

    19. Hopefully you never have to hear them say:

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    Seriously? We just went shopping.