Would you wear pyjamas on the school run? I appeared on ITV’s This Morning debating the issue after a head teacher wrote to parents asking them to stop wearing their pjs and slippers to the school gates because she’s fed up with mums and dads shuffling up in their nightwear.
She reckons not dressing ‘appropriately’ is setting a bad example and not preparing kids properly for their own adult life.
Of course she has a point, and I’m all for setting standards – if Misery Guts hasn’t ironed BB’s collars properly I do them again for fear of what the teacher will think of us me – but I’d say seeing your mum or dad in jim jams on the school run is the perfect preparation for adult life: that it’s bloody hard work.
Does she have any idea what it’s like trying to get one or more children out of the door by a certain time in the morning? When you’ve got a baby due at nursery half an hour ago, a four-year-old insisting their pants are changed when they’re already fully dressed because they don’t ‘feel’ right and a husband on a short fuse because of the lateness and the pants?
Sometimes, despite your best intentions, it’s quite simply a case of them or you. Would she rather the kids arrived in their pyjamas instead?
I’m sure being ‘appropriately’ dressed does set a good example to kids, but so does looking like you’ve just crawled out of bed even though you haven’t. I know it might sound harsh but the fact is family life is one big juggling act – something’s always got to give – and the sooner they learn that the better.
What’s more, there’s nothing wrong with not being perfect all the time – what matters is that you did your best. Even if your best does mean arriving at the school gates in a onesie with unbrushed hair and sleepy dust still in your eyes.
What do you think? Would you wear pyjamas on the school run?
You can watch a clip of my TV appearance here and find out what it was like going on the show!
Linking up with…
I was only just thinking about this as I saw it on the BBC News website. My child isn’t in school yet, however, attends pre-school twice a week and I wouldn’t wear PJ’s to escort him there and I know I wouldn’t wear PJ’s to take him to school in a couple of years time. Don’t get me wrong, I love my PJ’s and when I’m at home I only wear ‘slobs’ as I call them! However, I just know I wouldn’t feel comfortable stepping outside my front door in what I wear to bed. It’s just not me. Is it giving a wrong impression to our kids? Well, that’s a mooting point. Me, personally, I don’t think it is. Like you say, it shows them parenting and being a grown up with all the responsibilities it brings is hard bloody work!!! It’s an interesting one this. I find it funny how even years on us parents are getting a telling off from headteachers! Reminds me of being a kid again. Interesting post – best of luck with This Morning today – I shall watch it on iplayer! #bestandworst xx
I’m afraid I’m the slummy mummy who goes to the shop for groceries (aka wine) in my pyjamas…I don’t do the morning school run as Misery Guts drops off on his way to work but if I did I would definitely be seen in my jim jams on occasion!x
I have done a similar post on this and I don’t even do the school run yet. I think its a bit silly for her to ask parents to dress appriopriately and she should be cheering that parents have actually got their children to school on time and in their uniform. Enjoyed reading your post lovely. Good luck with your debate on ITV this morning. #BestAndWorst
Exactly – so glad you’re with me! They’re presented with a child that’s been fed, watered, dressed and is on time – what more do they want?!! Will check out your postx
Staying at home with a one-year old, I can hardly say what I think other people should be doing in this regard! My normal attire is extremely casual (stretchy pants mainly!) and I rarely wear makeup now, but I always wait until after I’m ‘dressed’ to take the rubbish out. My pajamas just aren’t cool enough for public showing!
It’s a slippery slope down from here – don’t say I didn’t warn you!!
I’m afraid I’m one of the mummies who thinks it’s terrible to go out of the house in your PJs! I know it’s hard to get out of the house on time with kids and still look presentable, but seriously it takes 10 seconds to put on a pair of trousers? I just have too much self-respect to be known as “that mum in her pyjamas”. Or god forbid, your child becomes known as the kid with the skanky mum!
Plus rather than teaching your kids life is busy, maybe we should be showing them that you need to get up earlier and make a bit of effort to get things done?
Having time to put your make-up on and sort your hair out is another thing entirely – that requires getting up about an hour earlier!
It’s a fine line between pyjamas & hair and make-up. The thing is you just can’t plan for tantrums that delay you – even though I factor in meltdown time…
Ahh it’s a tricky one. Personally I wouldn’t but sometimes to do the nursery drop off I am in joggers and a hoody and my make up and hair is most definitely not done! So I guess I may aswell be in my pjs! I think my pjs are prettier actually! #bestandworst xx
Precisely! What’s the difference?x
Oh god this is such an awful debate. I run my own business but at the end of the day I’m a mummy first. I can’t go to work in my pjs and I do drop off so am clearly dressed for work with a full Hollywood face of makeup (I wish). I get up at 7 with the children, bath, do hair and make up (I got my hair cut shoulder length from bum length because of timing issues) get them washed and dressed, give them breakfast, make a fresh shake, make eggs for grumpy bum and me and then leave at 8.30. This is not without: shouting, having indigestion, flying about like a wasp on acid, talking with a frown in one word answers and probably run walking over a mile up and down the stairs before actually leaving. I never manage to make lunch for me or grumpy bum. And I would feel guilty about putting the tv on just to keep the peace. On a separate note, some of the teachers look like they’ve just crawled out of bed. Solution, do your best, encourage your children to do their best and don’t judge others. I spend weekends in sloppies with unbrushed hair and no make up. Grumpy bum prefers me on weekdays!
Your routine is giving me a headache just reading it! We should all give ourselves a break and just do our best x
Oooh how exciting being on the telly! I don’t think I am actively against being in my pjs but I would try not to be! Unless the alarm didn’t go off that is! I wouldn’t think badly of anyone that did though!! Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
People are far too judgemental I think!x
Oh I don’t know what to reply to first. How fabulous that you were on TV, can’t wait to read about Phil & Holly. Did you spend all week deciding o what to wear on the show? I would be tempted to rock up in my PJs to annoy the teacher more, haha.
Unfortunately I’m Liverpool born and it seems that in my Liverpool home its perfectly acceptable to wear your pjs as day wear, leave your rollers in and pop on a fur coat. I’ve yet to embrace this crazy trend, especially as it looks like more work than my usual routine. But I have to say, never judge a Mum until you’ve walked in her slippers x
I only found out I was going on the night before so had no time to choose what to wear! I was tempted to wear pjs but decided there was no way I was going on screen next to Holly Willoughby in pyjamas!!
You were so awesome and looked gorge! I have worn my jammies to nursery, it’s more important to me to get him there then to make sure I look great. Mind you my jammies are very lovely 🙂
Thank you! It was nice to be glammed up for a change! So pleased to hear you’ve been out in your jim jams!!
I think each to their own. It’s everyone’s own individual journey and the way they ride it is up to them. Well done to all however they make it. If there weren’t any differences it would probably be boring, and nothing for anyone, who wants to take something away from it for their own personal use….x
Exactly! As long as the kids are fed, watered, dressed and on time why does it matter what mum or dad are wearing?
How exciting to meet Phil and Holly! Good for you 🙂 #jealous
I like to hope I wouldn’t do the school run in my PJs but my son isn’t school age yet and I only have one child so I’m not committing to anything yet lol! Like you say, we shouldn’t judge anyone, plus it’s not really any business of the headmistress. #bestandworst
Just coming back after watching the clip to say I think I’d draw the line at parents evenings and Christmas concerts. But that’s just me 🙂
You looked amazing, btw, and spoke beautifully x #bestandworst
Thank you – kept getting interrupted by Philip though!! I’d draw the line at pyjama outings after 12 o’clock too!
I think it’s a bit off of her to judge because as you said trying to get everyone ready in the morning, being a mum means we are last on the list. My friend did once tell me about a lady on the school pick up in her swimsuit & towel in the summer lol! #bestandworst xx
A swimsuit is a great idea! I also don’t see how pyjamas are any different from throwing on a pair of leggings or tracksuit bottoms.
My little boy doesn’t go to school yet and he’s quite a few years off, but I don’t think I would wear my PJ’s on the school run. That’s not because I think it sets a bad example to the kids, because well, how can it? They’ll make their own choices not based on whether mum wore her PJ’s to school or not…that’s if they even remember! I purely wouldn’t wear them because I wouldn’t feel comfortable going out in public in them! It’s a bit much for her to say what people can and can’t wear!! #coolmumclub
Famous last words – just you wait! I BET you’ll be tempted at least once!!
It is such a tricky one and I can see it from both sides! I don’t agree with how the whole situation has been handled but I also can see that wearing your pjs might not give the best impression but then on the other those pjs are oh so comfy. Argy It’s a quandary. I personally love a pj day but don’t wear them out of the house because I would look even more of a sight than usual! #coolmumclub
I guess it all depends on what your pyjamas look like too!
Good grief no! I’d never wear pajamas on the school run. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but that is wrong on many levels. It does send a bad message to the kids and more to the point, it does show you up. Family life is tough, but if you can’t get yourself ready in the morning why are the kids going to bother? Thankfully I’ve never seen it done either. . . although I did once see a mum in the middle of summer walking to school with her kids in a crop top and swimming costume bottoms. It just looked so wrong! #coolmumclub
We’ll have to agree to disagree! At 8am in the morning the day is just getting going and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with pyjamas under your coat!
I would never wear my PJs on the school run. Good on this head teacher for saying something, although it’s sad that it’s necessary.
I think it is slovenly and sets a terrible example to children. Seriously, just get organised the night before if the morning is a rush, although is it really not possible to take 30 seconds to pull on some clothes and shoes?
It’s like new mothers complaining they don’t have time to shower and get dressed each day. It’s not impossible. Get some self respect!
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you! I really don’t think it’s a big deal…
My little guys not old enough quite yet but I wouldnt because i dont wear pjs out the house not because i think it is or isnt appropriate. I had never considerd wearing pjs on the school run would set a bad example.
I can kind of see the point but at the same time it seems alittle extreme. Kids are being sent home for having certain hair styles or the wrong shoes etc now their starting on parents.
What next?
Parents are already under so much pressure!
Just watching the clip now! I don’t think I’d leave the house in slippers or pyjamas, just because that’s not my style ha ha…I’m obvs way too cool 😉 Live and let live though…peace to those who choose to! #coolmumclub
I would never wear pj’s on the school run or any other outdoor activity. If you are really pressed for time some joggers, converse & the shirt is just as quick & shower later. I don’t feel awake/alive until I’ve showered & dressed. I do think it sets a bad example but everyone is different. How exciting being on the telly!!!
#coolmumclub lifeinthemumslane
People are always going on about how we should be more understanding of mental health etc etc… yet no one has thought perhaps these parents are struggling. I’m not saying I would or wouldn’t do the school run in my PJs (although I have gone to nursery with my PJ top on hidden under my winter coat). But I think it’s kind of irrelevant whether you think you would or you wouldn’t. Noone really understands what situation someone else is in until they are in it, and that never happens because we all have our own lives. Just cause you manage to sort your shit out in the morning doesn’t mean we all can. And certainly doesn’t mean mums should get publicly berated when they can’t/ don’t. What’s more, why is a head teacher bringing more negative attention to the children (and parents). If the head is concerned, speak with the parent.
You should have gone on This Morning!! Perfectly put!x
Haha, next time 😉 x
I don’t think the Head is referring to the odd occasion when we are late or have a mini drama in the morning that means we just out in our PJ. It seems in some Schools it is the norm for Parents every morning to go out in there PJ. And even slippers! I think personally that you are doing no harm so it’s up to you but I do think it does show a ” lazy” attitude if it is done regularly.takes seconds to pull a pair of leggings on. Could be worse though could be going on in their see through nighties. !!
I expect the dads would like see-through nighties! I don’t really see how a pair of leggings differs from a pair of pyjama bottoms – my pjs are nicer than my leggings! – but I think a dressing gown is going a bit far…
I sleep in either a singlet or a skimpy tight nighty so me showing up in my PJ’s would not go down well with the teachers or other parents lol. So no I haven’t done this, but gee it would be nice to be so relaxed. I don’t really have anything against it, especially if someone does it now and then, everyday might be a little much. Now school pick up would be interesting! #justanotherlinky
You’d give the dads a treat and I’m sure they wouldn’t be complaining!!
Sometimes if I’m running late I just swap my pyjama bottoms for my jeans and cover my top with my coat! And I have dropped Lewis in the car wearing my pyjamas and dressing gown but I would never get out!! I did go and pick up Chinese last week in my pjs and dressing gown though…..got some funny looks!! #justanotherlinky
So so pleased to hear this! I go out to fetch things in the evenings in my jim jams too!x
I get up at 6 am every morning to get 2 kids ready for school and also see to 2 dogs. I work until around midnight every night, and am pregnant with baby 3. The most important thing to me is my kids get to school on time, now some mornings we are on the last push. They do have tantrums, melt downs and arguments, they are kids and like to express their opinions on the toothpaste and everything else. I cannot physically get up any earlier, I am tired enough as it is. I have been known to shove a pair of trousers over the top of my PJ and then stick a coat on because sometimes something has to give. If it was every single day turning up in your PJ then I can see the argument, if it is an every now an again thing then I see no harm in it. Sometimes life just happens
Precisely – and the most important thing is for the kids to see you doing your best, which you clearly do. You sound like supermum to me!!x
I’m sure I will at some point, I’d sooner take her in my PJs than not take her at all. I thought the head should have known better, especially after looking at the school’s Ofsted report. The demographics of the school are lots of disadvantaged backgrounds, poverty and children in care – you need to do everything in your power in that situation to encourage parents to engage with the school and come along to events, because the likelihood is that there are a lot of health issues lurking behind all that. Who cares what they’re wearing when they get there?? #justanotherlinky
Well said – if anything the head of this school will be alienating parents with this course of action…
Very cool being on the TV personally i think it’s a bad example to your children but for all of that free country and we shouldn’t judge now off to watch your clip well done #justanotherlinky
Hope you enjoy the clip! I disagree with you but we can’t all be the same!!
I think it’s up to the parent if they want to go in their pjs, I don’t think it’s setting a bad example to the kids. It can be a right old mission getting out of the house in the morning!!
Me personally, I wouldn’t wear my pjs to do the school run but that’s only because I’d feel embarrassed about my scruffy pjs but i’ve gone out without brushing my hair or without make up – sometimes time just runs out in the morning and it’s a choice of feeding my child or straightening my hair lol!! #sundaystars xx
I honestly don’t know where the time goes in the mornings!!
I don’t think I ever would do the school run in pjs – I would feel really self-conscious. My pyjamas are definitely something no one needs to see! However, I probably wouldn’t think twice if I saw another mum doing it. Sometimes, as you say, it’s us or them. And you never know what might have happened that morning or what struggle that mum was having. I would probably try to avoid making it a regular thing though! #KCACOLS
Yes you never know what goes on behind closed doors!!
I wouldn’t wear pjs out of the house, but wouldn’t judge a mother who did. I know small kids are great at throwing in a curveball at the last moment as you are about to leave the house, but we have got into a good routine to make sure the four of us are out of the by 7:45am, dressed, fed and get the kids to school/nursery on time and hubby and I to work on time. I don’t like getting up at 6:30am and rushing around to get everything sorted, but that’s what we have to do…..
Thanks for linking up to #SundayStars
I do as much as I can the night before to try and make it as easy as possible…
This is such a hilarious storyline. They braved the UK winter – IN THEIR PYJAMAS?? More fool them. Well done on your TV interview. Bet it was a fun experience.
It was!x
I’m with Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com (above) as I can’t fathom how anyone can brave the elements in just their PJs! It’s blowing a gale, been raining for days on end and we’ve had snow not to mention two storms this week alone! On a serious note, I don’t go to school in my pyjamas but that’s because I’m the teacher! (Charity fundraising events not included!)
I’d LOVE to see a teacher in their jim jams!!
I would never EVER take my girls to school wearing my pyjamas. Well done on being a part of This Morning
Thank you for linking up to #justanotherlinky
Famous last words!!
I really don’t think, no matter how hard it was, that I would ever take Mia to or pick her up from school in my pjs! I would rather her be 2mins later while I slung on jeans and a t-shirt! Mia is not school-age yet so I can only speak from what I think and not experience so I may feel differently in a few years time! Amazing you got to go on This Morning! 🙂
#sundaystars
I would definitely rather BB was on time and I was in my pjs than the other way round!!x
How cool you got to be on This Morning with Phi & Holly!! I love watching it, when I can – which isn’t often as Poppy demands we watch CBeebies instead, joy!
Would I wear PJs on the school run… no I don’t think so. Although ask me again in a few months when I have a five year old, a three year old and a baby to get dressed, fed and out the door by 8.30am.
#SundayStars
I bet you will be tempted to come over to the pj side!
I wouldn’t personally, as I have never been a wear pjs round the house all day or out of the house person – I’m not actually a lover of nightwear. Probably because I’m very tall, & making pjs in long lengths appears to have bypassed shops, & no one goes out in pj shorts sets! However, I do think this is a lot of fuss about nothing. I’m not even a fan of strict appearance standards for kids going to school, but I agree with you – if the kids are turned out okay, does it matter about parents who are there for a few minutes dropping off? I do wonder when people complain about this sort of thing what they are actually referring to as well. Given the popularity of lounge wear as night and in house day wear these days, is it just that rather than people in real pj pjs? #KCACOLS
It is a lot of fuss about nothing – I haven’t a clue what my mum wore to drop me off at school because I can’t remember, and I don’t think BB will remember what I wear either!
Unfortunately with a two mile walk I would never get away with doing the nursery run in my Pj’s but to be honest if I drove there would be days I would rock up in a onesie! if we are up late tidying away all the crafts we’ve been doing or busy playing games in the morning and I don’t find time to get dressed, who cares. The joy of being an adult is that if I fancy wearing my zebra onesie (with tail) all day then that’s what i’m going to do :p Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday
Yes exactly! There’s a lot to be said for a zebra onesie!!
Just watched this – wow you were great! I personally wouldn’t wear my PJs outside of the house these days and can’t wait to get showered and dressed in the morning myself. I just don’t feel myself and like I’m ready to ‘take on the world’ until I’m feeling fresh. It only takes two minutes to sling on some jeans and a coat after all – I’d rather be late! (And always am in fact!) #KCACOLS x
Thanks so much! I know what you mean about feeling freshx
personally I’ve never worn pyjamas for a school run despite temptation to do so. But then who cares, right? Each to their own.
Yes! No-one should care!!
The world would be a better place if we could wear pyjamas without the fear of judgment plaguing us. I read this the other day and decided to stay in my pjs all day!
#abitofeverything
An excellent move – well done!
This is an interesting subject. I totally understand the headteacher point’s of view but at the same time I also understand that there are times that you just have to manage to get your kids at school on time and therefore it doesn’t matter if you are not dressed for the day (this is for the dropping in the morning only). But I wouldn’t do this as a habit but as a one off if you know what I mean. To be honest I have never done the school run in PJs as if I’m late what I would do is change into track suits instead. For some reason I feel that this is better than appear in PJs. I’m nobody to judge other parents dress codes to go to school but to appear in PJs at Parent’s Evenings and Xmas shows I found that a little bit too much!! That is not appropriate at all or the pick ups at school. I agree that we should try to set an example to our kids otherwise they will think that it is ok to be out and about in PJs. I watched the video and you were very well spoken and also very natural. The camera really loves you. You look beautiful. I was just annoyed that you were interrupted too many times!! lol How is that you were invited to discuss this subject at ITVs? Just curious. Thanks lovely for sharing this at #KCACOLS. I would love to see you again on Sunday! 🙂 x
I draw the line at pitching up in your pjs in the afternoon or evening, but before 12 noon is acceptable in my book! Because I’m a journalist I’m on a forum which shows like This Morning use to find people to speak which is how it came aboutx
I have managed to get myself dressed for the school run most of this year. But many years I found it impossible to get dressed after being up all night with a baby and then trying to get 2 or 3 or 4 kids dressed and ready for school.
That said, I never get out of the car. I wear a jacket so no one ever knows what I’m wearing. If I had to get out of the car to drop kids off, I would not wear my jammies in to the school. I agree that it’s a respect thing. However, I don’t have the time or inclination to worry about what other Moms are wearing when they drop off at school!
Glad to hear it! To be honest I never notice what the other mums are wearing…
Ohh who cares, surely this headmaster has more important things to worry about. My son hasn’t started school yet but if it comes down to him being dressed for the day and on time or me being ready…I would go in my pj’s everytime. Obviously I am being optimistic and hoping I will have time for everything but you just never know how the morning is going to go…xx #abitofeverything
Exactly – you can plan until you’re blue in the face but then what?!
I’m afraid I’m in the no camp. Trot off to school wearing me jim-jams? My mother would haunt me *does the cross thingy* A child of the seventies I am, therefore, you gets dressed to go out. Not a fan of onesies either *backs off slowly*
We definitely have to agree to disagree then!!
I wouldn’t be seen dead in my pyjamas but I’m the Mum in chucked on jeans,hair scraped back and not a scrap of make-up.However each to their own I say 😀 x #kcacols
Thankfully that’s how a lot of people are seeing it!
This is a strange subject when you think about it. Just what does qualify as suitable clothes to wear when out. If I slept in a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt and rhen went out in them would the said headteacher complain? I think personally there is far too much fuss made by the headteacher about this. As long as the kids get to school, its none of her business what the mother wears for the journey. I have seen people in their PJ’s in supermarkets and even in the pub once. Its not the fashion I would chose, but who am I to judge anyone elses choices.
Thanks for linking up with us, Tracey xx #abitofeverything
I’ve also seen people in Tesco but never the pub!!x
Oh no, no, no!
Now, admittedly, I don’t yet do the school run, but I do nursery drop-off and I try – at the very least – to throw something half decent on for that. More often than not, that’s currently gym-wear as I go there straight after, but still…it’s something.
Keep the PJs for home! 🙂
P.S. So cool that you went on This Morning!!
Thank you – afraid I have to disagree about the pjs!
Popping back from #justanotherlinky. Thanks for linking up xx
No problem!x
I really don’t know where I sit on this debate. Whilst I don’t think I could do it personally, if I drove and had older children would I? Quite possibly. I can’t believe we are in a situation where a head teacher feels this is enough of a problem to write home to parents. You never know what is going on with other people’s home lives. So whilst I would find it strange, I’d also try not to judge. The link don’t work for me for some reason, but I will try again later as I’m really interested in what you had to say 🙂 #KCACOLS xx
Oh no I will check the link! I’m with you – I don’t think we should judgex
[…] I say ‘out’ I don’t mean in broad daylight (although I’m in no way judging), I mean after dark in a long coat to get wine (not sure whether that makes it better, or […]