Hellobee Boards

We don't as of now but who knows what will happen in 2 years when DD 1 starts school.

I wouldn't mind a loose dress code in terms of color, collared shirts, khaki, etc

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.

The opting out thing seems to undo the point of having them though.

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.

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.

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!

@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.

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.

@.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.

@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.

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.

@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!

@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 & to me that's important & to be respected.

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.

@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??

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.)

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.

@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!

@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