Kids' Clothes Give Teacher a Real Headache

Swedish school bans stripes, polka dots to ease migraines
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 15, 2008 12:55 PM CST
Kids' Clothes Give Teacher a Real Headache
Ouch! My head!   ((c) danbuck57313)

Bad news for Pippi Longstocking wannabes—a Swedish preschool has banned striped and polka-dotted children's clothing because the patterns trigger one teacher's migraine headaches. The ban is driving some fashion-conscious parents dotty, but the school's principal defends the teacher's right to "an appropriate work environment," reports the Local of Sweden.

A parent has complained that the ban keeps kids from exercising free choice in their wardrobe, but because the rule is designed to protect a work environment, it doesn't break Swedish law. Could it be screaming tots—and not funky shirts—causing the headaches? "Certain people are very sensitive to different visual patterns," says a migraine specialist. (More migraines stories.)

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