YOUTHS' FASHION STRAINS FAMILY BUDGETS.

• Position: Buying children's clothes

As children grow older, their demands steadily expand to include high-priced, brand-name merchandise, leaving parents to face some difficult decisions. Will my child wear this expensive garment for more than one season, after the trend dies? How can I meet my child's clothing wants while satisfying his or her needs? Can I even afford to buy these items?

The key to shopping for youngsters' clothes is planning ahead, suggests Pamela Norum, associate professor of textile and apparel management, University of Missouri-Columbia. "It is typical for children to want to dress like their peers," notes Norum, a mother of three children, ages seven to 13. "There are times when a child will want a very costly item, more items than what your budget allows, or items that you deem inappropriate. You may be able to compromise and find an item that is similar in styling, but not as expensive or distasteful."

She recommends that consumers pay special attention to growth features and quality of garments to get the most for their money. Growth features include adjustable straps, deep hems, elastic inserts, stretch or knit fabrics, and...