School Uniform - who decides what to wear

[grandmabet]

Did anyone read Arabella Weir's hilarious article yesterday about buying a protractor for her daughter who is just starting secondary school. The daughter had to have a purple one, so Arabella raised heaven and hell to get it. But when it came to having a large handbag instead of the customary satchel, said daughter created one almighty fuss when Arabella said no. Should we go along with what the child wants or should we, in our wisdom, insist on the sensible approach? Does it damage a child if he/she does not have the same gear as others in the class? (The article was in G2 of the Guardian).

[cancantcan]

Not read the article, but in my house the dog wags the tail, not the other way round. I would allow the choice of a purple protractor if it was available when I was buying, otherwise its just tough titty.
Once my kids are old enough to really complain that they dont have 'cool' stuff, then they will also be old enough to do chores, earn pocket money and save up to buy it for themselves if its so important.
It certainly doesnt damage them not to have the best stuff - My parents scraped together to send me to a private school and was always bitterly jealous of my friends who had all the best sports stuff, and used to be very ashamed of my £3.99 woolies special tennis racket. Didnt do me any harm though, just made me more determined to win and prove the point. Too many kids today grow up thinking the world owes them a living, I think a bit of tough love early is a good introduction to how it works out in the real world.

[AMumInScotland]

I think in general, the child should be able to choose from what the parent is able and willing to provide - so if there are no purple protractors in the shop, they get another colour. And if the large handbag meets the requirements and costs no more than the satchel, then what's the problem?

Where there isn't a problem, you let them choose. But not move heaven and earth for every little thing. Or bankrupt yourself to provide the latest craze.

[janeite]

I didn't read the article and can't be doing with Arabella Wir tbh.

The way I see it is that I am the parent. It is my money. They are allowed opinions but at the end of the day, tis up to me.

The main issue is shoes and I have certain rules that must be obeyed in the buying of school shoes, however the dds may feel. Ditto bags - they have to be a certain size, they have to have a zip pocket etc.

I do however, admit to buying them each a pink folding ruler - because I liked them!

[Pollyanna]

this was on the Today programme this morning. I agreed with Arabella Weir - you pick your battles - I personally wouldn't careless what colour protractor my child took to school, or really waht the bag was like (although not a silly/tarty/too grown up handbag), but would put my foot down over eg. high heels, makeup, etc