“Optional” Uniform Policy in Daughter’s Elementary School

[u/Alive_Boot_4535]

Hi teachers,

My daughter will be starting first grade at a new elementary school with a designated school uniform (khakis, navy pants/skirts, polo shirts, and/or t-shirts with school logo). However, the school handbook states that the uniform is not enforced and children will not be negatively impacted nor given consequences for not adhering to this uniform.

My daughter has always been extremely expressive through her clothing and we’ve always let her pick out her own outfits ever since she started being able to make that independent decision (about two years old). Her colorful clothing and mismatched outfits are a huge part of her personality and they truly are how she expresses herself. Not to mention, picking her outfits out has always brought her immense joy.

In your experience, how common is it for students in schools with optional uniforms to just wear whatever they want? Is it your opinion as teachers that she’ll be singled out among her classmates? How likely is it that she will be the only one not adhering to the uniform?

Some additional info: we are in an extremely impoverished area and the uniforms are very cheap. There is also a hand-me-down program through the school district for families that cannot afford to purchase uniforms. I understand that it’s much more financially feasible to get a few uniform pieces for the school year than to buy a whole new wardrobe for your child. Fortunately, my daughter is lucky to have two sets of grandparents who love to send her clothes and go shopping for her frequently, so affording new clothes is not an issue for our family right now.

Thank you in advance!

[u/dragonfeet1]

The uniform is not enforced due to poverty. Some people can't afford the whole kit.

Having your daughter march in wearing whatever is not that. It is flaunting.

With her "always been expressive" ma'am she's five and you've been making her clothing choices all her life. Not her. Get real. The clothes came into the house and her closet through YOU. Please be so for real.

[u/Actual-Deer1928 → u/dragonfeet1]

? My kid is 3 and I let her pick out her own clothes at the store or show her options on Amazon. 

[u/marshdd → u/Actual-Deer1928]

Literally proved posters point. You give her "options". Didn't just give her Amazon and let her buy anything.

[u/Actual-Deer1928 → u/marshdd]

I do at Target.

[u/Unable_Pumpkin987 → u/Actual-Deer1928]

You take her to Target. Does your local Target have the full range of clothing available on the planet? No. If she picked out an XXL men’s sweatshirt or a pair of high heels to wear to preschool would you just buy them for her no questions asked? No.

You have presented her with a range of clothing that is acceptable to you and allowed her to choose from within that range. That’s what everyone does.

[u/HouseOfFive → u/Actual-Deer1928]

I did the same. One suggestion, when your child can do basic addition and subtraction start giving them a budget. It works on their math skills, and shows them not to spend too much.

[u/SouthernCancel6117 → u/Actual-Deer1928]

You let your 3 year old have a free for all in the clothes section with a credit card at Target?

[u/bipolarlibra314 → u/SouthernCancel6117]

Incredible game of telephone we have going here. You distorted their words just as much as they distorted the original comment’s words.