Labelling Childrens Clothes for School

D.,

Here's a link to the same question posted by Debbie yesterday (Aug 31).

http://www.mamasource.com/request/recent/98037/1220292281/9

My dad used with me, and I plan to use with my kids the Sharpie Rub a Dub Dub permanent fabric marker.

The only thing I would add (or clarify) is Never, Ever put your child's name anywhere strangers can read it, such as the outside of a backpack. Inside the back of the backpack, inside the jacket, etc., and avoid personalized things like pencils, zipper tags, shirts.

Same response as to Debbie T.'s request-use a Sharpie. But when you write on something slippery or shiny, put a piece of scotch tape over it to make sure it doesn't rub off. (bottles of glue, crayon boxes)

Sharpies are great for plastic items. They also make a "rub-a-dub" laundry marking pen for fabric. Just put you childs three initials (first, middle, last) on the tags and there you go. Not likely another child will have the three same intitals. If there is no label, consider marking the lining of the pocket. or attatch a plastic key fob to the zipper and initial that, if you are worried about it.

And don't send them in anything too valuable or expensive. More clothes get damaged by paint or scissors at school than end up missing.

there is a company called Mabel's Labels - they make a variety of types of stick on labels.

Nail polish works great for lunchboxes and calculators. I am a teacher and the sharpie will rub off those items, but nailpolish won't

When my children were little, I labled their clothes with the first initial of their last name and the last 4 digits of their social security number. This helped me to recognize my children's clothing, shoes, etc, and eliminated the risk of strangers luring them by being able to call them by name.

For my kids I put their name on places that are not that noticable. For instance for the shoes I write it inside of the sole (still outside of shoe) this also teaches them to put their shoes on the right feet! Backpacks I put it the back so that it faces them and strangers wont see it. My son was given a pin with his first name on it that he wears sometimes on his jacket. My daughter I have a zipper pull with her first name on it. For everything I use a sharpie.