Voluntary School Uniform...

I would be the happiest mom on Earth if my kids' school would implement a uniform policy. Up until this year they were at private school and they had uniforms, and it was SO nice! No muss, no fuss, no arguments over what they can and can't wear. This year in public school we've spent so much money on clothes I can't believe it. It's a school in a more affluent area, so I kind of feel like my kids would be teased if they weren't wearing brand name clothes, and I don't want them to be the "new kids" who are always getting picked on, and then to get picked on for their clothes would just be awful. So... yeah, I really wish they could wear uniforms. It's a great equalizer.

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As a teacher, I wish more schools went with a uniform option. Dress code violations are one of the most often done write ups at my school, for skirt length to suggestive clothing/t-shirts. Things just get really out of hand sometimes. (of course that is teh high school level) I do find here that the students who went to elementary and middle schools with uniforms tend to be more modest in their dressing. We just see so many (girls especially) that come to school dressed one way, and then either have a change of clothes in their back packs/lockers/sports lockers. It can be a huge eye opener for their parents. So, longer response than I intended, I would vote uniforms.

I think uniforms are great. I vote for the uniform.

Well as a kid who grew up half in public school and half in private, I am all about the uniform. When I was in public school, there were a lot more cliques, kids judged each other on the brand of clothes they wore and even the makeup brand the girls used. I felt really good kids were being shunned for no reason, it's sad. But, when I went to private, there were no cliques, I had more friends than ever because no one knew of my financial status I came from since we wore the same thing. I feel the kids respected the teachers as well as the school itself more and all of our grades were higher as a result of no pressures of being bullied or peer pressure of drinking/smoking/sex etc... Uniforms definitely bring a whole other vibe into the picture, in a good way. If my kids were given the choice, definitely I'd be putting them in the uniform.

Uniforms rock and they are so easy in the morning. I think you save money on clothes as well. Our school has a spot for a used uniform sale all year also. The money either goes to the seller or as a donation to school. I've gotten a few beautiful things there.

As far as taking away their individuality, I agree with you totally. Kids are creative and find ways to express themselves. Uniforms provide less distraction and less class distinction and let kids know when it is time to get serious. When school is out, the play clothes go on.

Great question!

voluntary? really? how odd but kinda cool, i guess.
i went to private girls' school that was way out of our economic class, but due to my dad's work i was able to attend. it was very strict and had uniforms, and i think it was great. i had no clue that i was the 'poor kid' until i was well into my teens. cliques still happen (they're endemic to kids in general, i think) but they formed for different reasons and were less ugly.
in a voluntary situation i'd probably leave it up to the kid, but encourage the uniform. i agree that they do not stifle individuality. kids will always find ways to express themselves. but they sure do cut down on status symbol competition.
khairete
S.

If it's voluntary, then I'd let my child choose what they wear. But I really wish more schools would make uniforms mandatory - have you SEEN some of the things that pass for 'clothing' with teenage girls??? yikes!

My niece's school does this. I'm not sure how this actually works though unless you have full participation. In general, I like school uniforms and I kind of wish that ours had uniforms. Simple, cheaper, interchangeable, they are usually dark colors so they hide stains better, etc. -- plus, I like the fact that the focus is off labels, expensive clothing, suggestive clothing, etc.

I'd rather go with the uniform because it is easier, but it really depends on their age and what they prefer.

Oh, I would love it my son's high school went to uniforms.
My high school required uniforms, I hated it at first, but after a few months, realized how much easier it was every morning just to throw it on and go.
Also, my parent's were able to purchase nicer street clothes for me because they actually on clothing once I was wearing uniforms.

But, to be voluntary uniforms is odd - unless it is the way the school is going to slowly make the transition. And feel out the response from parents.

I would think that he would feel weird if he showed up in the uniform and all his friends were wearing street clothes.

I think I'd have them wear uniforms and regular clothes if they earned it.

my 17 year old, even in elementary wouldn't have worn it. She's very independant minded and very different.
I would say no, because individuality is key. You can't get that with a uniform

My son is currently in a uniform wearing school. It is such a cost saving and a headache saver. We only do uniforms 4 days a week so the cost is only 6 pairs of pants and 4 shirts and some solid long sleeve shirts for the winter.Love love love love love uniforms. My son does also, no fuss.

I would leave it up to my child

All the middle schools here have a uniform (there are some options on what to do with it).

My middle school uniform was white, navy, green, and khaki. No shorts or skirts above the knee. No holes. No logos that weren't WMS. No shades of blue that weren't navy. Shirts tucked in. All cotton. Certain jewelry and belts weren't allowed.

I hated it, but I kept one sports t-shirt and my gym uniform for pajamas.

I'd let the kid choose. In my case, it would've been cheaper just to use my normal clothes because I stopped growing by about 14 and didn't shop much. Getting a uniform just meant one more shopping trip for clothes that I got rid of as soon as I was free of uniforms (high schools here don't have them). Half the kids talked about burning their uniforms once they were out (I donated mine).

I've not ever heard of voluntary school uniform, interesting. My first thought was that I wondered if this was a transition year and that next year or the year after uniforms were going to be mandatory and this was their warm up, but after reading some of your responses, it seems maybe not. Anyway, I'd probably gravitate towards doing it. In fact, I might say do it M-Th and pick your own clothes on Friday if you want. In a way I think it gets kids ready for a more professional dress, although so many corporations are moving away from that, so maybe it doesn't make sense! ;)

uniform! Sounds so much easier. But I am not so sure it would be easy to get my kids to comply if other kids got to wear what they want.