As the back-to-school season rolls around, I find myself once again navigating the trials of uniform shopping with my two boys, aged 8 and 10. Their reluctance is palpable, and the process is anything but smooth.
Our journey began at the shoe store, where we quickly discovered that their feet grow faster than we can keep up with. While many kids might simply outgrow their shoes, my boys are on the autism spectrum, which adds a layer of complexity to the shopping experience. Sensory sensitivities can transform a simple trip to the store into a source of stress.
For our boys, Skechers has become our go-to shoe brand. While the flashy light-up styles are a hit with the youngest, it’s the abundance of Velcro options that truly makes them ideal for us. Velcro shoes distribute pressure evenly, which is especially important for my oldest, who finds traditional shoelaces uncomfortable and often leads to meltdowns when things don’t feel just right.
At the Skechers store, the staff kindly measured their feet. My youngest gleefully chose a pair that could only be described as eye-catching. But when it was my oldest’s turn, the attendant quietly informed me that he had graduated to a size 6 in the men’s section. This milestone brought tears to my eyes—not just because he’s growing up, but because it signified the end of an era where Velcro was our go-to. Would this mean more morning struggles with shoelaces? Would I be receiving calls from the school nurse about his discomfort?
After the shoe ordeal, the next hurdle was the uniforms. A crucial aspect of managing sensory sensitivities is ensuring there’s a plentiful supply of favorite uniform pieces. Running low on options can lead to guaranteed meltdowns. I learned this the hard way last year when I thought I was prepared with five pairs of pants, only to find that we were down to two after a few unfortunate mishaps. One of those pants didn’t meet my son’s comfort standards, leading to daily battles that consumed precious time and left him upset.
This year, I vowed to stock up even more. However, when I pulled out last year’s pants for him to try on, I was met with tears. “They’re too tight!” and “They’re not soft enough!” he exclaimed. The comfort of fleece pants—though not school-appropriate—was more desirable to him than any uncomfortable uniform fabric, even in the sweltering heat.
I often wonder why clothing options for children with sensory sensitivities are so limited. Where are the soft, tag-free clothes designed for comfort? Then I stumbled upon a remarkable story about a former news anchor, Sarah Jennings, who took matters into her own hands. She launched a clothing line called Comfort First Apparel, aimed at addressing these very issues. Her designs allow for versatile wear—no tags, zippers, or buttons—and can be worn inside out or any way that feels comfortable.
Excitedly, I sought out her offerings, only to find much of the stock sold out within weeks. With an estimated 16.5 percent of school-age children facing sensory processing challenges, it’s clear that many parents share the same frustrations I do. Why haven’t more brands tapped into this market? Kudos to the mothers who are leading the charge for better options. If I could, I would send a bouquet to Sarah on behalf of all parents navigating these challenges.
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In summary, shopping for uniforms and shoes can be a daunting task for parents of children with sensory sensitivities. With careful planning and a bit of luck, we can alleviate some of the stress for our little ones. Here’s to hoping for more comfortable clothing options in the future!
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