MUMS have revealed how they keep their children from getting chilblains when going to school in cold weather.
The discussion began when a mother revealed her daughter could not walk one winter because of the painful patches on her skin.
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The mum shared a photo of her daughter’s current school shoes on the Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas Facebook group.
She asked for footwear suggestions that were black, waterproof, and warm for her daughter to wear to school.
“Last year she ended up wearing snow boots to school but these are not really appropriate, nor are most girls’ school shoes, they all seem to have exposed tops like this pic,” she said.
“I’ve seen some brogue styles but they don’t seem particularly insulted, any suggestions, please?
“She couldn’t walk the first year she got chilblains after wearing normal Clarks’ school shoes.”
According to the NHS, chilblains appear a few hours after exposure to the cold and it’s recommended to speak to your GP if they don’t go away after three weeks.
The mum’s post racked up hundreds of comments from parents revealing how they keep their children from getting the “small, itchy” patches on their skin.
Suggestions included wearing thermal tights layered with socks and asking if her daughter could wear slippers in class.
The majority of people advised buying fleeced-lined shoes with a thick sole and shared their favourite brands.
“The Little Kicker’s boots are great for girls and even look nice with a skirt,” one person said.
“My daughter wears black boots from NEXT in winter. They are furry lined and very warm,” another said.
“I bought some little black Chelsea boots from Sainsbury’s they last really well and are like £22 and have a big chunky sole. My girl says they are super comfy too,” a third wrote.
However, Dr Martens was the clear winner with a flood of commenters raving about their products.
“My daughter wears Dr Martens with the fluffy/fleece inside for winter, she gets really cold toes that peel in shoes. I got her a pair of vinted for £15!” one person said.
“My daughter often wears Doc Martens boots to school! Or Next do a version too that is cheaper but comfy and insulated,” another commented.
Why do schools have such strict rules about appearance?
WHY is it that students aren’t allowed dyed hair, painted nails, tattoos or piercings at school? Surely they should be allowed to express their individuality?
Well, according to Quora, there are five main reasons that such appearance alterations are banned in school.
1. Maintaining a professional appearance
Students are required to stick to the uniform policy in order to present themselves in a professional manner. Doing so helps create a sense of discipline and respect for the learning environment.
2. Safety concerns
In some situations, there could be safety concerns about an appearance change. This would be applicable if someone was to have extremely long hair that wasn’t tied up, for example, as it could get caught in equipment during PE lessons or while playing with friends.
3. Minimising disruption
Many schools have a strict policy regarding students’ appearance in a bid to minimise disruption. Some education centres believe that someone having brightly-coloured dyed hair, or a large piercing, ends up being a distraction to other students, and therefore detracts from the learning process.
4. Preparation for the work place
Many jobs – especially corporate or medical ones – have strict rules regarding appearance, with piercings, tattoos and dyed hair all on the banned list. So preventing the students from having these alterations at schools means they’ll be prepared for not being allowed them when they’ve got a job too.
5. Cultural/social norms
Schools may seek to reflect the norms of what’s considered appropriate or acceptable in different cultures and communities in their policies.
“Doc Martin shoes,” a third added.
“The soles are so much more insulated than other shoes, and the tops are plain black leather so totally waterproof.
“You can get them without the yellow stitching so they’re school compliant.
“My sons are into their second school year now, and they’ll last well beyond when they grow out of them.”
The mum thanked the commenters for their advice and shared plans to discuss her purchase decision with her daughter’s school.
“Wow, thanks. So many recommendations for ‘boots’ & people wearing them,” she said.
“My daughter’s school only allow flat shoes, boots are not allowed.
“I will look at all the suggestions and make a recommendation to the school before I purchase.
“They were clear last year that she wouldn’t be allowed to wear snow boots again.
“It’s for medicinal purposes after all so hopefully, we’ll come to an agreement.”
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