https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:25:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1948039 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 16:20:20 +0000 Ree723 1948039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: @foodnerd81: The girls do have the option of wearing trousers as well - I just picked this picture as I'm obsessed with the adorableness of the checked dresses! </p> <p> @Foodnerd81: I had the same problem when I went to college as well - I hated having to figure out what to wear each morning! Still kind of hate it now to be honest :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947917 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:18:47 +0000 mrs. bird 1947917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: oh i totally get that! they do make things much easier and less stressful in so many ways! and i do think a lot of them are really cute :) i can make a lot of arguments about the benefits of uniforms, but at the end of the day, they just don't feel right to me, but that doesn't mean i think they're wrong for other people </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947916 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:18:39 +0000 Bubbles 1947916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's the norm over here in the uk as mentioned by @Ree723, I wore a uniform at school from age 4 right through to 16, and I'm sure I complained at the time that my individuality was being repressed. However teenagers will always find a way to express themselves! I constantly wore trainers and a hoody over my school shirt and had hair all the colours of the rainbow. A lot of my time and the teachers time was wasted battling about uniform! It certainly did make it easier getting ready though. I am not against or anti uniform, but I will support my kids if they choose to adapt theirs to allow them a little self expression. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947866 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:04:01 +0000 macintosh 1947866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would have hated it as a kid but I might like it as a parent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947748 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:29:11 +0000 Foodnerd81 1947748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: I agree with a lot of what you are saying about teens expressing themselves and figuring it all out- but it stresses me out just thinking about it! I guess, thinking back to me at a preteen/ early teen, I did think all those things and getting dressed for weekends and dress down days was stressful; I wanted to look nice and make sure the clothes sent the right message about me and were appropriately trendy, blah blah blah- it was really stressful. I appreciate that getting dressed for school it was like, well, this is what everyone wears, no judgment on this plaid skirt and sweater. But hey, maybe it would have been LESS stressful on the weekends if I was more used to dressing myself. When I got to college I was like, what? I have to pick out a different outfit every day?? </p> <p>Totally not trying to argue or say your points are wrong at all, just giving my flip side point of view. (Disclaimer since things can be totally misread on here.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947722 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:13:41 +0000 meredithNYC 1947722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Former Catholic school kid and uniform lover here. I love them - easy, inexpensive, cuts down on bullshit arguments re: what's appropriate school wear. An all around win.</p> <p>@Ree723: I taught in the UK for a few years and totally agree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947629 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:32:48 +0000 mrs. bird 1947629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: i don't think i do now, but that's because i'm an adult with a secure sense of identity. during adolescence that's not the case, it's normal for them in be insecure about their image and try on many hats while they seek out their identity. they have a strong belief that everyone is looking at them and a need to portray an image that represents them as the individual they feel they are at that moment (which changes frequently!)- whether that's a person that wears pink on wednesday or has a purple mohawk or wears a certain sports team jersey. sometimes it's about creativity, sometimes it's about letting other people know who you feel you are. both are a part developing self &amp; to me that's important &amp; to be respected. </p> <p>full disclosure, i've never worn a uniform, ever, not for school or a team sport or a job so i'm sure that influences my views on them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947570 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:13:30 +0000 shinymama 1947570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: My oldest's elementary school had a suggested dress code that we loosely followed {polo shirts, khaki bottoms}.</p> <p>Now that he's in junior high school there's a mandatory dress code and I freakin :heart: it! Five tops and five bottoms ironed and ready to go on Sunday with no pre-teen clothes drama in the morning. He doesn't love it, but he doesn't hate it either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947501 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:37:30 +0000 .twist. 1947501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: oh ok! I totally misunderstood. I thought it was that they could opt out for their kid to wear them, but other people could choose for their kid to wear them. So, a mixture of uniforms and non-uniforms! hahaha What a mess that'd be! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947496 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:36:09 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1947496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: only 2/3rds of parents have to vote for school uniforms for it to become a school's policy. So potentially a third of the school doesn't want to do it. The opt-out form states only one acceptable reason to opt-out, which is the uniforms would be a financial hardship.</p> <p>ETA: but you're correct some kids, a small portion likely, would wear whatever they like. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947492 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:33:50 +0000 .twist. 1947492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: I guess I see the school as being a sort of team. They are there to support, help and protect each other. They can be individuals in their interests and experiences and on the weekend and after school they can wear what they want to express themselves how they want. Most kids thrive on structure and a uniform adds to that. It's purpose is to help (not force, because with outside accessories it's impossible, but HELP) the children realise their focus is on school, while they're there.</p> <p>Teaching them respect isn't about what you wear, it's about how you talk to people and how people talk to you and that is the message I will be teaching my kiddo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947484 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:28:39 +0000 Foodnerd81 1947484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: out of curiosity, do feel like you express yourself through your clothes now, as an adult? I ask, because to me, yeah I like dressing nice and stuff, but it's never been a form of self expression for me. Therefore, I don't feel like making kids wear uniforms is taking away their individuality, nor did I feel that way growing up and wearing uniforms (though I took issue with the super unflattering skirts we had in junior high). It would make sense, though, if you are someone who does express themselves through clothes that you would have those feelings about the uniforms. Does that make sense? </p> <p>@ShootingStar: totally agree about letting girls wear shorts and pants as well as boys. </p> <p>@avivoca: agree that dress codes are so much more difficult than uniforms. When we would have some sort of dress down day but you couldn't wear jeans or sweats or shorts above a certain length, I would have no idea what to wear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947440 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:17:45 +0000 mrs. bird 1947440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: i feel like the time outside of school is when they wear uniforms that make sense- like when you're part of team sport, or a band or a club of some sort, when you need to identify as part of a group. i guess i just feel like unless it serves a purpose to make everyone look the same, then i feel like embracing differences is more of a priority for me. there is plenty of research showing the benefits of uniforms, i'm not dismissing that they can support an academic environment, i just put more value on teaching children when they're young to embrace what speaks to them as individuals, to express themselves and respect others as they do the same. we are more valuable than what we wear, no one should be put down for their appearance, but for many it's a creative outlet, it's something about appearance that's within their control, it's an opportunity to be an individual amongst a crowd, to stand up for what speaks to them, to feel like a person. i see it as dehumanizing to take individuality away. buuuuutttttt..... some uniforms are really cute and they have been shown to be helpful in some schools, just not something that appeals to me in the least. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947410 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:58:41 +0000 avivoca 1947410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: Those uniforms are adorable!!! I would totally wear something like that as an adult, too.</p> <p>@mrs. bird: I see your point, but I wore uniforms as a child and it never really affected my ability to declare my individuality. Like you said, you find other ways, like with your shoes, your book covers, how you do your hair, your accessories. BUT, I will say that in high school, it was horrible because our uniform code was so lax. Basically, you had to wear khaki or black pants/shorts/skirts, white/black collared shirts, no patch pockets, no open toe/heel shoes. Tons of room for interpretation and absolutely a nightmare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947370 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:40:50 +0000 ShootingStar 1947370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: Those uniforms look like something out of a book, they're so cute. But at the same time, I'm not huge on only letting girls wear skirts or dresses, I'd like to see an appropriate pants/shorts version for girls too.</p> <p>I'm kind of meh about uniforms in general, but public schools around here don't have them so it'll probably never be something we need to consider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947336 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:29:38 +0000 .twist. 1947336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The school I'm hoping to get L into does have uniforms. I'm not sure why you would have the option to opt out...? Does that mean some kids would be uniformed and some would not? That seems like a whole new world of teasing?</p> <p>I personally like uniforms. I understand that there will always be other individual items. Kids, no matter what, will always find something to pick on. If there isn't something you're wearing, it's the way you do your hair or the freckles on your face. </p> <p>@mrs. bird: While I tend to agree with you about individuality, kids who wear uniforms will have lots of time to find their identity on weekends and through after school programs. 5 hours out of their day isn't going to break their ability to express themselves and find their identity. </p> <p>@Ree723: So stinkin' cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947330 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:28:06 +0000 aegie 1947330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>ugh, uniforms would be so nice. But I would also have to get a bunch so I wasn't doing laundry every few days since toddlers are ALWAYS messing up their clothes. But it would definitely speed up mornings! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947315 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 11:19:30 +0000 mrs. bird 1947315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i'm anti uniform :shocked: </p> <p>mr. bird went to schools with uniforms and he was always the poor kid, you would think this would have helped him to feel less like an outsider, but kids just find other things to judge one another on- the brand shoes, the backpack, the car their parents drive, cell phones, it goes on and on. your clothing is an opportunity for personal expression, building your identity when you're young is important, learning to respect others &amp; differences is important. standards are one thing- no foul language or hate speech on clothing, undergarments need to be covered by your outer clothes, etc, but for the most part, i value self expression and mutual respect over avoidance of difference for convenience </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947231 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:45:33 +0000 Ree723 1947231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I LOVE uniforms! All schools in the UK have uniforms and I am so excited about it. I wore uniforms in high school and loved it, I'm glad my girls get to do the same. </p> <p>Also, can I just mention the school uniforms in the UK are adorable?!? This is just a random shot of a typical UK summer uniform as I don't want to post our school's specific uniforms for privacy reasons, but this is very typical of what you'll find here. </p> [attach=1312/14/nf6x3x.600x450.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947095 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 09:42:24 +0000 avivoca 1947095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I :heart: uniforms. Our resides school has them but she may not attend (our school assignment system is weird). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947027 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:52:07 +0000 Foodnerd81 1947027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know what school c will attend but I don't mind uniforms. I wore them all the way through high school and while I hated them in middle school, I grew to appreciate how easy they are. And I think kids look so adorable in them. </p> <p>The opting out thing seems to undo the point of having them though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947024 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:50:58 +0000 looch 1947024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Public schools in my town do not have a dress code or uniforms, but I would love it if they did. I'd just get 5 of the same pants and shirts and call it done.</p> <p>I do think though, there are still going to be status items, like your coat, shoes, backpack, purse, etc. It's impossible to eliminate every single thing that could cause an issue, but to me, uniforms are a step in the right direction. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1947022 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:48:22 +0000 regberadaisy 1947022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't as of now but who knows what will happen in 2 years when DD 1 starts school. </p> <p>I wouldn't mind a loose dress code in terms of color, collared shirts, khaki, etc </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1946988 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:22:08 +0000 Mamaof2 1946988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't but I would love it if we did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/school-uniforms-1#post-1946978 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 08:19:14 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1946978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your child's (public) school have school uniform dress code? Did you opt out?</p> <p>I just checked my local school district's site and parent's can opt out of uniform, but here are the reasons posted making the case for uniforms.</p> <p>Research suggests that school uniforms</p> <p>Improve discipline, self-esteem and self-respect.</p> <p>Focus the student towards learning.</p> <p>Eliminate the fear of whether their clothing choice will be acceptable by peers.</p> <p>Strengthens school pride.</p> <p>Identify student population from strangers on school grounds.</p> <p>Cost effective. </p>