AIBU for not wanting to send my dd in pjs?

[Grumpington]

I've just found out that for World Book Day, my dd's school are wearing pyjamas instead of fancy dress. She's really upset as she's been planning her outfit for weeks. But I'm just generally feeling grumpy about it as it just feels weird sending her in night clothes... Or AIBU?

For context, the school had a pyjama day in November - and it was freezing and raining. The wealthiest kids turned up in brand new onesies. None of the kids seemed particularly happy about it but I guess we all thought it was a one off. Apparently the same thing nearly happened last March but some of the older kids managed to persuade the school to change their minds.

What have pyjamas got to do with World Book Day?
Judging from photos on social media, most consumers don’t have much to do with books anymore. Just an excuse to dress as bloody Elsa / Pokemon / insert any other movie / video game / tv character here.

Most costumes-* not consumers

Could we just not have World Book Day? I don't know any parent or child that enjoys it.

I would prefer PJs to fancy dress this year, especially because we have Roman fucking day where they have to dress up as a bloody roman.

He is wearing the outfit on both days, as I have sweet fuck all so am having to buy

@Carpetforsale a few years ago I sent my daughter in jeans, T-shirt and a hoodie jacket. ( Tracy Beaker!) she has also been Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger games (black pants, black top and a homemade bow and arrow set (long stick with string on!)

@PanamaPattie my 4 yo is VERY excited to be a sheep

Panama I like World Book Day. Every child in the country gets a voucher for a free £1 book - that's fantastic. I excitedly have got the World Book Day Alex Rider book already. And I paid the £1 for it because I am not a child so don't get a voucher.
Free books or a £1 book. What's not to like about that?

A lot of kids don’t wear pyjamas and a lot of others don’t have ones decent enough to not be embarrassed by. However I do think some sort of jogging bottoms and a t shirt would do. I also think it is easy to wear normal non-uniform and just say you are a character from a book or story like Jack and the beanstalk. A PP mentioned Charlie Cook which I think is a brilliant idea. My daughter has worn her own clothes and been various characters from Jacqueline Wilson books etc.
Maybe a mix would be best ie pyjamas OR a book character.

This is a barmy idea.
Are the staff going to be in pajamas too ?

Carpetforsale

Could your boys go in pyjamas as John and Michael (two might have to be the same boy but presumably they're in different classes) from Peter Pan. Have you got a stuffed toy dog that could be Katie Nanna? Or they could be the Lost Boys also from Peter Pan. If you can attach a label to their clothing saying who they are, even better.

Good luck and I hope things get better for you soon.

Likefootball when my daughter's primary did pyjama days most of the teachers did dress up. Often in hilarious onsies or a Victorian style night shirt with matching hat. The children always thought it was funny.

Agree that kids in poverty are far more likely to have pyjamas than a full on costume. I much prefer it- far more inclusive and less stigmatising for the less privileged kids

Based on evidence?
When parents cant afford clothes then PJs are a long way down the list and you cant usually get them from charity shops or clothes banks.

Just goes to show that Abe was right, you can't please all of the people all of the time!
I feel sorry for schools having to deal with stuff like this, the parents who shout loudest usually win out.

My dds are going to school wearing pyjamas for WBD to promote bedtime reading. To fuck am I wasting money on another outfit for WBD just so they can wear it once.
I’ve got to dress up in the school I work in, luckily I have all the stuff I need and I’m not a teacher. So bloody wasteful.

Our school did this a few years ago and a group of kids put together a petition and a letter asking if those who wanted to come in WBD outfits still could. They listened and ever since they give the option - PJs for bedtime story or a WBD outfit.

My daughters school are doing this also. And I love it so much easier and cheaper than costumes.
Also the wealthy onsie comment is strange. My dd is wearing her fave onsie I bought in Aldi last year for £3.99 and it still looks great.

This pisses me right off. WBD is about books... reading! Nothing needs to be taken in, just a focus on books throughout the day. There are loads of book-focused activities that schools can do without putting stress on parents and demanding kids dress up!

and this: It's to do with inclusivity. All kids have PJ's so all kids can take part. No, no they don't. Some kids don't have pyjamas at all.

Apologies if someone has already said all this, I didn't RTFT.

my kids school have never did dress up for WBD , they're doing a book swap, book related scavenger hunt, a choice of designing a t shirt or hat connected to a favourite book , sharing a favourite book with your class,they're very laid back about children only taking part in what they want to, but all in uniform.

@Carpetforsale

Dd went as the worst witch - black school skirt, school shirt, an old tie of mine, my old university scarf and a black cardigan with a witches hat and toy cat. Think of a character basically that wears normal clothes

Arrears I said it too...it's so ignorant to think all kids have PJs! The poorest don't.

How is this even a conversation?

It’s bloody pjs

"What have pyjamas got to do with World Book Day?"

Bedtime reading.

Thete was a charity set up in Liverpool to give all disadvantaged children and the children in Alderhey new Christmas Pj's. They wasn't Christmas themed, just new.
If families are struggling to the extent that their children haven't got ok Pj's, perhaps start it in your area.

My GC school are going with Pj's and I thought that it was a good idea.

@Dhalandchips don't forget the towel!

I am assuming at some point in the day they will either read a book or have a book read to them, therefore if they are in pyjamas it is encouraging bedtime reading.

In DS's old Primary School they actively encourage parents to still read with their children right up to Y6, so that can include 11 year olds. The local secondary school have started a scheme where tutors read with their tutor group weekly.

I'm sure most children have some sort of nightwear/lounge wear eg jogging bottoms, they can wear.

My DS only has 'summer' pjs (two pairs of pj shorts that are three years old and another pair that are older, that he wears with old comfy t shirts). They are clothes suitable to wear on the sofa with a jumper in the evening, or in bed, not for going out in. Some kids won't even own pjs, they may sleep in any old clothes such as track pants that are a bit small.

Book day should be about books.