Having the difficult school conversation
Sharing in hopes of helping parents who are sending their babas to school.
My LO started school today. She’s 4m and in Snappits. Loving our Pokkie journey. I’ve truly surprised myself in our easy it’s been. Super proud.
I purposely didn’t tell the school about cloth because I had an inkling that they’d immediately say no (because yes, when you say cloth everyone thinks old school, extra effort Terry nappies). So I arrived this morning (guns blazing I might add because I wasn’t going to accept “no to cloth”). I might add here that I’m a pretty easy going mom. I went in with the intention of explaining why we’ve decided to do cloth (sensitive skin etc) and to do a demo. I was immediately met with negativity and “no ways, we’re not doing cloth; too much extra work; too many babies to worry about; too hot in summer” blah blah blah. I was firm in my explanation. I then said, please can I just show you. So I pulled out the Snappit (everything was pre packed and folded, ready to go) and the change in her face was night and day… Her words were “Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting that”. After showing her how it’s done, she very calmly said, no problem we can do that. I sent her the videos too for in case.
I think a lot of parents may get shot down by schools, not because cloth is bad or not going to work for the school, but because of the very clear misconception around modern day cloth. Parents need to be ready to have the conversation (possibly difficult ones too) and advocate for their preferred nappy system. Go in prepared for a “no”. Be clear that that is your preferred system, why you’ve chosen it and then demo for them. Have your Snappits ready and folded. Tell them to put the folded dirty nappy in the extra wet bag (they do not have to clean the dirty nappy- just fold). It’s simply no extra work for them.
Failing the above, find yourself another school ;)
Datum ervaring: 02 September, 2025
Datum ervaring: 02 September, 2025
Antwoord van Pokkelokkie
2025.09.02
Hi Kirsten, thank you for sharing your experience and tips! It's wonderful to hear how you advocated for cloth and turned a "no" into a positive outcome. Your story is inspiring and so helpful for other parents.