As summer approaches, it is essential to maintain modesty in our appearance. Over the ages, respect and dignity have declined and become normalized as a socially acceptable standard. However, the dignity of the human person remains unchanged; in fact, it is timeless. 

As parents, we must promote modesty, even if the world tells us to have different standards for ourselves. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 149:13), and how we carry ourselves should honour God as we are “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6). By our appearance, we should evangelize our faith. By our joy, our faith should be known. By our mercy, God's compassion will be felt. 

In this blog, I will provide guidelines and suggestions on how modest deportment should be promoted. For more details, refer to our book series in the "Modest Deportment" section.

Cleanliness is the foundation of presenting your child with dignity and respect. As Florence Hartley said,

“Frequent bathing, careful attention to the teeth, nails, ears, and hair…”

These simple habits go a long way in showing care and self-respect. A clean child invites comfort and confidence, while poor grooming can unintentionally distance others. Bathe your children regularly, help them brush their teeth thoroughly (singing the ABCs is a great timing tool), trim and clean their nails, and make sure their ears are clear of wax and dirt.

Hair should be neat and well-suited to their face, braids for girls and tidy cuts for boys go a long way in framing their natural beauty. For inspiration on doable, neat toddler hairstyles, visit our exclusive Facebook Group! 

For gentle, non-toxic products that are kind to sensitive skin, we love Dabble & Dollop, a fun and effective line of bath and hair care products for kids. Maintaining these daily habits teaches your children that beauty and cleanliness are closely linked.

Keep wipes, an extra outfit, and a wet-dry bag with you while out and about; these small steps make a big difference in your child’s poise and presence.

Please ensure their hands are always washed and clean before they touch anything else. You can use the coupon code NATALIE30 for a discount on hand soap at checkout. Cleanliness isn’t just about appearance; it’s a sign of attentiveness, love, and dignity.

Over the past century, modesty has quietly faded from the spotlight, replaced by the idea that less clothing somehow equals more style. But true beauty is not in how much we reveal, it’s in how we carry ourselves. Clothing speaks before we do, and what we wear should reflect inner dignity, not a desire for attention. As parents, we hold the privilege of shaping how our children present themselves to the world, clothing them in ways that reflect purity, confidence, and self-respect. Modesty isn’t about restriction, it’s about intention. Every clothing choice, when guided by dignity and good taste, can be a beautiful one.

You don’t need expensive labels to dress well. With thoughtful choices, even simple, affordable pieces can reflect elegance and virtue. As Florence Hartley reminds us,

“If neatness, consistency, and good taste preside over the wardrobe of a lady, expensive fabrics will not be needed; for with the simplest materials, harmony of colour, accurate fitting to the figure, and perfect neatness, she will always appear well dressed.”

We’ve embraced this principle in our own family by shopping intentionally, even on a budget. If you’re looking for modest, tasteful clothing, we’ve gathered some of our favourite affordable finds from Shein, curated to help you shop with confidence, not compromise.

To save even more money, use coupon code 75WQJ after clicking the “My Picks” section and help your family dress modestly and respectfully. 

Your child’s clothing should reflect dignity without drawing unnecessary attention. The goal isn’t to conform to modern fashion, but to present oneself as neat, respectful, and appropriately dressed for the occasion. This means ensuring buttons are secure, zippers are closed, shirts are untucked after bathroom visits, and clothes are wrinkle-free. Undergarments should remain hidden and have the proper fit.

This is why we trust Tiny Undies, as they fit snugly and are barely noticeable under clothing. It doesn't matter whether you're doing EC or Potty Training, they have something for your little boys and girls; whether it's their Tiny Chaps for EC, cloth pull-up covers, absorbent training underwear that provides a snug fit, cotton underwear, and even boxer briefs for boys. To help your family, use coupon RWMC918 at checkout.

All clothing should fit well, not too tight or too loose. A modest fit includes necklines that are no lower than the top of the armpit, no cleavage showing, sleeves that reach mid-bicep, and shorts or dresses that fall below the knee. These thoughtful details help your child feel confident and cared for, reflecting humility and respect in every setting.

All clothing should fit well, not too tight or too loose. A modest fit includes necklines that are no lower than the top of the armpit, no cleavage showing, sleeves that reach mid-bicep, and shorts or dresses that fall below the knee. These thoughtful details help your child feel confident and cared for, reflecting humility and respect in every setting.

Well-fitted shoes are just as important as clothing—they should be clean, in good condition, and adequately sized to support your child’s growth and prevent injury. We recommend Tiny Explorings for high-quality children’s footwear designed with both fit and function in mind. You can explore their collection and use our coupon code to save more; coupon  RWMC918! Investing in modest, well-fitting attire helps affirm your child’s innocence and self-worth, showing respect for both themselves and those around them.

Making sure the clothes are physically clean and not lingering with odor or messes (ex. Poop, pee, food, smoke, dirt, etc.) when going out in public spaces is essential. How you physically appear to others in a presentable manner increases approachability, dignity and respect for one's worth.

By failing to make an effort to be presentable, our outward appearance will communicate, in silence, a sense of sloppiness and neglect of self-respect. By having our clothes presentable, we communicate a sense of peace when communicating with others. Messy, immodest deportment can lead to people withdrawing from communication, and walls will be put up as it appears that no importance is placed on order in one's life. 

To keep your clothes clean, fresh-smelling, and free from toxic chemicals that can harm your health, we recommend using Truly Free Home Laundry Detergent. It is cheaper than Tide per load (0.16 rather than 0.33,) and it is safer and smells fresher longer. Since it is non-toxic, your children can help with chores without you needing to worry about them accidentally ingesting harmful chemicals. You can use the coupon code NATALIE30 at checkout to receive a discount and save even more.

In conclusion, caring for our children’s appearance is not about vanity; it’s an act of love, forming habits that speak dignity, attentiveness, and self-respect before a word is ever spoken. When we teach our little ones how to present themselves with cleanliness and care, we aren’t just grooming their outer selves; we’re shaping their inner character.

These small, thoughtful steps in grooming and modesty cultivate beauty that is quiet, confident, and enduring. If you’re looking for gentle, reliable products or modest clothing that aligns with these values, feel free to explore the trusted links we've shared. And be sure to check out our follow-up post, where we’ll guide you through choosing clothes that help your child appear well-kept, explain the impact of colours and patterns, and discuss how to avoid drawing negative attention through attire.

Let’s raise children who reflect grace not just in their actions, but in how they carry themselves every day.