7 yo boy wants to wear dress and tights to school

I think
'this is the uniform for boys
you are a boy
uniform must be worn in school
therefore, you are going to wear boys uniform

plus
toilet explanation
is all you need to assert this boundary, as his mother and adult-in-charge.

we might be having a different conversation if the danger of school transing him was not so present- but we are where we are

The differential treatment seems to be that a boy without (or with, it doesn't really matter) gender dysphoria is being told he can't wear the girls uniform, and the girl (again, without or with gender dysphoria - it doesn't matter) is being told it is fine for her to wear the girls uniform.

Girls sit down to use the toilet. Boys stand up. You can surely see that a skirt is less practical for a boy when peeing standing up?

It's already been said, ease of toilet usage.

MalagaNights · Today 20:11
Apols @ScrollingLeaves I missed the tongue in cheekness in my hasty outrage!

Thank you, MalagaNights but please don’t worry at all 🙂

In what way are they practical for girls but not for boys?

OP I was in the same boat a year or so ago. Similarly really made me question my own motives. He's mostly forgotten about the idea now.

In case of school, i feel it's too big a teasing risk. I like the 'clothes for ease of weeing' explanation from a PP. I also think 'people would find a boy in a dress distracting because it's unusual, and the school don't want everyone distracted from their work - and that includes him' It's logical but non-specific.

This.

I hate how restrictive gendered clothes have become over the past decade, and am all for encouraging kids and adults to wear what they like and not care about fashion etc, but we also need to be aware of the social “boundaries” that are acceptable for clothing/fashion, and school/work wear should be comfortable, practical, and suitable, you could explain that dresses aren’t a practical or suitable choice for school for boys.

This is the most sensible reply I've read in ages on mn 🙏🏻

Apols @ScrollingLeaves I missed the tongue in cheekness in my hasty outrage!

And agree a child shouldn't be put at the forefront of challenging customs alone.

I sense with parents who do this that they take pride in what it represents about them, at the expense of the child who actually cannot find their place in society.

Just say no, you're a boy so your uniform is this. Then ignore as it will pass. He won't thank you in 10 years time and sees photos of himself in a dress. We need to stop this madness.

No. The consensus is boys without gender dysphoria should wear the boy’s uniform for the school they attend and the girls without gender dysphoria should wear the girl’s. Where’s the differential treatment?

MalagaNights, I agree but I don’t think it is all right to use a 7 year old to change customs on their own, hence, tongue in cheek, I ask that if this is going to happen an adult takes some of the burden on themselves.

So is the consensus that differential treatment according to sex is appropriate?

Yes indeed @MalagaNights .

Ah. I hope so 😬

I thought that post was sarcastic

For the love of God don't do this.

Most people will think your DH is a weird Trans dad and you're Transing your kid as well, and that you're Fucking insane.

Whereas in reality you will be demonstrating your gender critical beliefs, but no one will get this because most people don't believe gender is just a construct. And even if you explain to them they'll think you're Fucking Insane.

FWR is not the real world.

Would you say that to a 7 year old girl that wanted to wear the school skirt / dress?

Sorry - just realised kilts have been mentioned already!

Nearly all societies have cultural norms around dress and they are usually different for the 2 sexes.

The idea that's it's just an oppressive imposition is just so naive. Why would all cultures do this irrational thing??

And the idea that you should encourage children to reject the cultural expectations of their own society is just harmful to them. Question them sure. Reject them as an adult if you choose. But first at least understand them.

Why not wear just pants to school on a hot day?
Many cultures do eat sitting on the floor. Why should your child be required to sit in a chair at lunchtime?
Many cultures infrequently bathe. Why should your child wash if they don't want to?

We've taken the positive principle that people who are different should be accepted, to the ludicrous and dangerous principle that there should be no norms. That's basically queer theory. Now being applied to kids.

Not sure if this has been suggested or not, but as you're in Scotland, can he wear a plain grey or black kilt? Such as this www.next.co.uk/style/st360061/595660?dp=a&dndl=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3JL9_8Dj_AIVksvtCh0GIA4YEAQYBCABEgLH4PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#595660

Lots of older men who need to keep warm e.g. cadets wear tights under trousers.

So yes he can wear tights but he can't wear a dress because it is too damn cold.

I think it is a no from me. Whilst I am happy for my child to challenge gender norms, I don't think that extends to sending my son to school in a dress, because I think it would be a one way ticket to socially transitioning.

Nope.