Kilt problem

[sharpdressedscot]

OK, my dad and I were driving back home from somewhere and we were talking. The conversation somehow went into an argument, my dad stating that I'm not allowed to wear a kilt to school. I ask him the question "Why?" as anyone would, but he only came out with this answer: "It would be a distraction" (or something like that). I asked him again, and he repeated the answer, but he never really answered my question. I think he personally dispises me wearing it, but he denies it.

I know he's my father and he "thinks for what's best for me" but is that not ridiculous, or am I just a little upset about it?

[Arlen]

It might be that he's worried other people will give you a hard time for wearing it or that you'll get into trouble from the staff.

Perhaps sit down and talk with him and explain that you want to be sensible and mature about your kilting, arrange with him certain dates when you'll wear a kilt. Like Burn's night, tartan day and St. Andrew's day.
Or every Friday. Something like that.

He might get used to you wearing the kilt and be a little easier about it.

[ccga3359]

You have every right to be upset. Unfortunatly it sound like he's still supporting you... tuition, roof, food. This isn't worth the fight, but indeed discuss it man to man. walk away if it starts to get heated again. It's possible he doesn't understand the heritage aspect of kilt wearing but rather the first step to cross dressing.

[auld argonian]

Both Arlen and CCGA have made excellent points. I'd just like to chime in with a bit of observation about the reactions that several of the people around me have had about my starting to wear a kilt. Some of these folks are of the opinion that I'm wearing it in an attempt to get attention...not the case; I'm just wearing it because I think that it's way cool and, hey, why not? But these guys are finding some deep, dark meaning here that just isn't there...but they can't be convinced that it isn't there....

In my case, they seem to think that it's some kind of middle-age crisis. In your case, it's possible that your dad is thinking that it's just a "phase" that you're going through and he may also think, like my friends and family members, that it's just something you're doing to get attention. The best way that I've found to help defuse the tension (and it's tension on their part, not mine) is to just carry on as if it's nothing to get excited about...don't dwell on it, don't get into long winded explanations or discussions or arguments...that just seems to fuel the fire. Certainly be considerate of your dad's feelings and, as Arlen suggested, ease into it by making a deal just to wear it on the holidays (and you'd be surprised just how many anniversaries of famous battles there are). And when you wear it, try to wear it well...the kilt fits well, good shoe and socks/hose choice, sporrran, appropriate shirt...may be try the necktie and vest look; that really tends to make the kilt look very legit and makes it look like you're used to wearing it.

Best of luck...there will always be people out there who will think it's off-beat to wear a kilt but you will get the odd compliment and that'll make it worth putting up with any negative vibes.

Best

AA

[TheKiltedWonder]

You have every right to be upset. But since you seem to be under 18 and at home, your parents have the right to nix your kilt at school. You can try talking to him about it. If you find out more about his reservations you might be able to present your case, as it were.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

er... why don't you see what your school has to say about it, first. If they don't have a problem, then you're on pretty solid ground when discussing it with your father. If they nix the idea in the first place-- well, why aggravate you dad by discussing something you may not be able to do?

Further to what AA says above:

He's got a cunning plan there. Do the well dressed, waistcoat and tie thing. It's hard to argue your kid out of "dressing up".

And something else.

If the school is okay with you wearing the kilt, and your dad reluctantly goes along with it, wear underwear. Nothing will get your kilt wearing banned faster, and a big "I told you so" from the home front, than some one complaining they saw your junk at lunch. I know commando is cool, but sometimes discretion is the far better part of valor.

Good luck.

[sharpdressedscot]

Thanks for the advice.

Well, there was another kid that wore a kilt to school, mind you it wasn't worn very good I should say, and I pointed that out, but he shot it down.

I have long hair so I grab attention already, but he thinks that by wearing the kilt it will get more attention and possibly bad ideas/thoughts of me. I can see where he's going at, but I'm agreeing with it (for the lack of a better word)

I shall try to talk to him later on and see what I can do, but it leads no where, I'll jsut drop it.

but he only said not to school, he didn't say out in public

[auld argonian]

This is the thread about "kilt holidays"...enjoy!

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...light=calendar

Best

AA

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thanks for the advice.

, but it leads no where, I'll jsut drop it.

but he only said not to school, he didn't say out in public

You are wise in your ways, sharpdressedscot.

And cunning, too....

[Howard Clark]

You could always invite him around here to see the variety of grown up real men who wear kilts a lot in many walks of life.

It IS different, but many times, different is good.