Should kids choose what they wear?

Question

When choosing what to wear even if it is a uniform should they have a say in what it will be or not? If not a uniform what should the dress code be?

School age kids.

Answer 1

What age of kids? Is this for school, walking around in the street, what?

I would say it is fine for elementary school kids to have a uniform or for the parents to choose, but the kid should have some say. In middle school give them more freedom but not unlimited. In high school you shouldn't let them wear revealing clothes or other such things. After that only get involved if they are dressing really badly. You have the final say, at least until they move out. I am against uniforms in school but a dress code is necisarry. I wouldn't let kids wear their pants around their ankles like they do these days anyway.

Answer 2

I don't know what the right or wrong answer is but I can tell what I do with my kids.

First, we set a budget. They understand the importance of shopping at sales. I take them shopping with me because we need to ensure the fit is right.

Once there, I pick out some items and they pick out some. If it's inappropriate (too short, too expensive, images) then it's out of the running. We pick out of the rest staying within our budget.

When I was growing up, I had to wear a uniform and I really didn't have any choices except for underwear and runners. Our teachers were really strict about skirt length and it wasn't worth the battle fighting over. I absolutely HATED wearing the uniform, but now (as a parent) I can see the value in it. It simplified life ALOT so we could spend more time on studies, after school activities and ogling the boys in the college across the street.

Answer 3

i think they should choose their dress code, or at least have a contest when kids all make a dress code (or uniform) and have the kids vote for it. Of course the school board will have a say, but not all of it.

Answer 4

Well I am a teacher and my school this year went to uniforms. We are a public school and it is khaki pants and a polo shirt or khaki skirt. But it has to be tucked in. I am not sure on how old the child is that wants to pick the clothes. But our old dress code was nothing obscene writing on it. to low where the boobs hang out and pants so low that their underwear shows. Also the skirt had to be as long as the tips of their fingers. ( so have them extend their arms downward and if the skirt is shorter than their arm length it is to short for school. I dont know if I helped you at all?

Answer 5

i really think schools should have uniforms. i really believe that school is for learning and not a fashion show. Also it cuts done on how much money a family has. some parents can't afford name brand clothes for their kids, so their child gets made fun of or is teased. i don't think school should be about that. even all kids dress alike, then what would it matter.

Answer 6

my boys 11 and 14 wear uniforms to school and tend to dress like skater boys after school. here is how I do it. I take them with me to check sizes in the store fitting rooms, but I say what goes in the cart. I have their closets divided in to work(school) and play(jeans, tees,etc.)and they can mix and match as long as it is within the schools written and posted on the closet doors dress code. They have a sense of personal style, and I don't have to read angry letters from the school and pick them up from the office. If you only buy things that you approve of, they can make the choices with out felling like mommy dressed them today.

Answer 7

I think that they should be able to choose what they want to wear so long as its not too revealing or has any affiliation with profanity or anything of that kind of nature...It is a way for them to express themselves as individuals and if they are the ones who have to wear it, they should have some say in what exactly they are going to wear. There are far worse things for a parent to worry about then what their children wears and by giving them the freedom to choose what they wear, you treat them more like a responsible adult and show that you see them for a individual as well. If you try to force them to wear something that they dont want too, they will most likely become resentful (for being treated like a lil kid) and rebel in some way that either goes against what they are supposed to wear or something that is far worse.

Answer 8

kids should be able to voice their opinions regarding what they wear.....What i mean is they are the ones wearing the uniform or proposed dress code clothing.....they should at least be able to say what color, they like and whether a piece of clothing is comfortable or not for their day to day activities etc.....
The final decision though is up to the Parents as to what is appropriate for their child depending on age....

Answer 9

To a point, For the most part I pick my children's cloths out, they are only 6 and 7 but I let them choose what to wear to school each day. As they get older I will let them pick more of what I buy out but I will never give them complete control until they are able to buy their own cloths. I have boys and I want them to dress like respectful young gentlemen, not hoodlums.

Answer 10

I usually give my daughter 2 choices, both of them are appropriate for wherever we might be going. She still gets to feel like she has a say in what she wears, but doesn't end up running around in a Tigger suit all day! Also I feel that giving her a choice in the little things in her life, gives her a sense of confidence and control. She'll be 2 yrs old next month, but gets to pick from corn or spinach at dinner.

Anything that is okay to wear to church, should be okay to wear to school.

*Khaki/navy/black, even denim slacks,skirt. A polo shirt of any color, or pretty blouse for a girl. It depends on the ages of the children. Even in high school they need to be given the opportunity to be unique, but tasteful.
***This site has really good advice from babies, toddlers to schoolaged kids.