Uniforms Suit My Kids

Uniforms gained in popularity when President Clinton endorsed public-school uniforms in a 1996 State of the Union Address. This year both of my children, one who is public and the other in private school, will be wearing uniforms, AND this makes me happy. Uniforms offer many benefits.

One of the most prominent benefits of uniforms is that I do not have to spend endless hours in the malls shopping for expensive, designer clothing. I immediately go to the section of the store where they have khaki, navy and black clothing with a splash of white. I love this about places like The Children’s Place. They not only provide their uniform items in one location, but they also provide savings (up to 30% when I went shopping this week) to parents during back-to-school shopping time. Their clothes do not have emblems yet they are made with quality to last for the year or until your children out grows the size. 😉

Another reason I love uniforms is its promotion of overall unity in the school. School uniforms also instill a sense of school pride, school spirit and social acceptance. Feeling like part of a community is beneficial to a child’s self-esteem and confidence. When students do not have to worry about how they are dressed, they can better concentrate on academics. In the morning, I am not doing the once over and asking the question: “Is that appropriate for school?” I am more focused on their lunches and if they are healthy enough.

There are a couple of downsides to uniforms though. There is a huge up-front cost, but as I stated earlier if you shop at places like The Children’s Place, then this can be reduced. For families who live paycheck-to-paycheck, this can be a big burden in the summer. I recommend buying at least two days worth of uniform clothing. Which brings me to my next point…LAUNDRY. You have to be more diligent to do laundry than you would have to if they wore whatever they have in their closet.

In the end, this back-to-school shopping season, I am thankful that my kids are in uniform for the convenience and lack of controversy.

Disclosure: I was given The Children’s Place gift card in exchange for my time and post. All opinions are 100% mine. Note: if your child doesn’t have to wear a uniform, for boys go for rugby look and for the girls, think glitters & sparkles and Boho-chic this Fall. 🙂