Uniformity
June 21st, 2011
I had to order Alexa's school uniform this week. I can't quite believe she'll be entering this new stage so soon. I had to decide whether to get her cardigans or sweatshirts, and it occurred to me that this might be an important decision. What if all the well-adjusted little girls with friends wear cardigans, and all the sad lonely awkward ones wear sweatshirts? And what if I get it wrong and she hates school? I realise how ridiculous this sounds, and part of me thinks that she ought to be strong enough in herself to rise above trivial sartorial details- AND YET... I can't help but look back on my childhood self and wonder if things might have been different if I'd not looked quite so peculiar.
So- I have begun to pay careful attention to kids on the school run, I have quizzed my friends with school age children, and it turns out that cardigans are the way to go. That being the case, Alexa will have cardigans, because while I might resent the game and disagree with the rules, I don't want my little girl loosing it before she even knows she's playing.
What do you think? Have I sold out to a flawed value system? Or am I being a compassionate and responsible mother?
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Your comments
Delia McMeekin
~ June 21st, 2011 ~ 13:06I would do the same thing as you. Alexa will have plenty of battles to fight as she progresses through school (ones far worse than being the only girl who wears a sweatshirt), but if you can help to ease her into school without this initial differentiation, it will start her school journey off on a positive note. What Mother wouldn't want that? And if you did send her to school in a sweatshirt - wouldn't that just be you using your daughter to make a statement about a system you did not believe in?
Julia Crellin
~ June 21st, 2011 ~ 13:06Being a big fan of cardigans myself, I think you have made the right decision (I also agree with Delia's more thoughtful, insightful comment).
Danni Smith
~ June 21st, 2011 ~ 13:06I don't think any child notices or cares in reception... or for a couple of years after that come to think of it.
Jo
~ June 21st, 2011 ~ 14:06Delia, you're right that I shouldn't use her to make my own statement, but I guess I am also concerned that I am projecting my insecurities/ need to fit in onto her too. Maybe I should ask her what she'd rather wear?! Danni: do you really think it doesn't start until later? They started judging each other on how much pink they wore by age 2 it seemed to me. And Julia- cardies rule okay!xx
Happy
~ June 21st, 2011 ~ 18:06Just ask your daughter what she would prefer? My daughter has chosen what she would like & her reasons are for comfort, not for being "in" with the other girls :)
paula~ June 22nd, 2011 ~ 17:06You are being a wonderful mum! You are aware of the pros and cons of all your decisions.
and if school isn't the right environment for her to thrive - just give me a shout! I am more than happy to talk about home ed with anyone.
This infmoraotin is off the hizool!
