3yo cried all the way to nursery today. Why? Because his jumper was the wrong colour. He was wearing his school jumper. It has the school emblem on it. It is green. 3yo wanted a green jumper on, just not his ’school’ jumper.

This got me thinking. From 3 to 11, he will be wearing the same jumper to school. Well, not the same one, he will have to move up sizes. But it will look the same. He has no choice about this, he has to wear school uniform. I am undecided on whether this is a good idea though.

Pros of school uniform.

Makes it easier for mums.
There is no arguing about what to wear for school.

Stops the rivalry between kids.
Other children can’t make one kid feel bad for not wearing the latest brand – no one is allowed to wear them.

Cost.
Parts of school uniform can be very cheap. £2 for 2 polo shirts in ASDA -you can’t really complain about that! Trendy labels can be an expensive alternative, but at primary school will this be an issue?

Learning.
Some experts think that wearing a uniform in school sets the right tone for learning. This means kids learn better and their behaviour is better.

Cons of school uniform.

My child wants to be different and not follow the crowd. I see this as avery good thing. I don’t want him to just be a pea in a pod. (Having said that I am quite happy for him to express his individuality outside of school time).

School uniforms that you have to buy from the school with their emblem on can be VERY expensive.

Are children at primary and nursery schools too young to start  wearing school uniform? I’m still not sure. Based on this morning’s experience of 3yo crying all the way to school, I am thinking it is.

Update

Day 2 of  ‘The Jumper of the Wrong Shade of Green’.

3yo now loves his jumper and won’t wear anything else.

I can’t win.