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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Skirts to school

57 replies

G1ngerbread · 25/10/2025 20:43

I’ll start with saying I don’t think anybody should be wearing skirts to school, but it is what it is.
However, my Brother and Sil have a 5 year old boy who has expressed that he wants to wear a skirt to school. This has been discussed with me, but they have not specifically asked for my opinion so I should probably keep it to myself I suppose.
Sil has discussed with school and they have not objected. I don’t think they have particularly encouraged it, but have been careful to not encourage gender stereotypes. This has now resulted in a child who does not understand societal norms.
What would you do? Would you say something? I’m so worried about bullying, but also where this could lead.

OP posts:
Jamfirstest · 25/10/2025 20:52

God. I am of the opinion that there are two types of parents - the type who try and prevent their kid being bullied by letting have a noke bag or whatever and the type who do this kind of nonsense in the op and then screech about their child being bullied when it happens.

Hankunamatata · 25/10/2025 20:52

Personally no I wouldn't but thats my choice as a parent. If they want to let him its up to them.

G1ngerbread · 25/10/2025 20:52

@Icepop79 There is a chance other kids won’t bat an eyelid. Especially at this age. But I do think it could end up being part of a bigger problem.

OP posts:
Icepop79 · 25/10/2025 20:50

I’m not sure if it’s actually that big a deal. There was a kid in my daughter’s year in primary school who would wear dresses to the school discos and on non-uniform days. It carried on for years until he grew out of it. As far as I know, he wasn’t ever bullied. It was just what he chose to wear.

G1ngerbread · 25/10/2025 20:50

Parents are very much of the opinion that bullies will bully regardless, but also that we shouldn’t change who we are to pacify them or fit in. I genuinely think they are trying to instill resilience and confidence.

OP posts:
youalright · 25/10/2025 20:48

I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut this will haunt him for the rest of his life.

HedwigEliza · 25/10/2025 20:46

If they’re the sort of parents who don’t care whether they set their child up for bullying, mockery and social suicide in order to prove a point about ‘gender stereotypes’, tell them to crack on.