School spirit week gives kids a rare chance to dress as silly as they want, and parents get to be the stylists. One mom took viewers through a Monday morning that included Wacky Tacky Day, and her son’s mismatched outfit steals the show.
Mom and creator @bestofshaneise calls it a “realistic Monday morning,” and she follows the whole routine from wake-up to the drop-off line.
@bestofshaneise
A Monday morning in motion
The day starts with waking her young son, Wyatt, and the first task of the morning is getting the bedding into the wash. Then it is on to a familiar routine: starting the coffee, wiping down the mattress cover and checking on the kids as they get ready. Her teenage daughter, Kourtney, shows off her own spirit week look in the hallway, with mismatched earrings, a striped shirt, a pearl headband and cheetah-print pants. They joke that even the wackiest outfit still manages to look cute.
Wyatt’s wacky tacky look
Mom explains that it is Wacky Tacky Day for both kids, and Wyatt chose his own mismatched outfit. He steps out in a red collared polo, lime green basketball shorts, one blue Croc on one foot and one black sneaker on the other, carrying a stuffed bunny.
She pours him a bowl of cereal with almond milk, then finishes the look by spiking his hair with styling glue so it sticks straight up. In the car, he checks himself in the sun visor mirror and says it looks kind of funny, and he is smiling.
Packing up and heading out
Before leaving, she packs a neon green water bottle and a bag of chips into his dinosaur backpack. At the school drop-off, she tells him she loves him and to have a good day, and he gets ready to hop out and show off his outfit.
Spirit week ideas that are easy on parents
- Let the kid choose. Mismatched day is more fun when your child picks the pieces.
- Raid what you own. Odd socks, old hats and clothes from different outfits are free.
- Use washable styling products. Hair spray, glue or gel that rinses out keeps bath time easy.
- Plan the night before. Lay out the costume pieces so the morning does not become a scramble.
- Take a photo before drop-off. You will want to remember this one.
Why spirit weeks matter to kids
Dress-up days give children a chance to be silly, creative and part of something with their classmates. For younger kids especially, picking an outfit is a big decision they get to make on their own. Letting them lead builds confidence and makes school feel like a fun place to be.
It also helps to keep expectations loose. Not every costume has to be polished, and not every child wants to stand out. If your child would rather wear a small silly detail, such as one bright sock, that counts as joining in.
Common questions about dress-up days
Can mismatched shoes be a problem? They can be if the shoes are not suited to the day. Check the school’s guidelines, since some days involve gym class or recess where closed, secure shoes are safer. If the plan is to wear a pair of odd shoes, make sure both fit well and stay on.
What should I know about hair products? Read the label on anything that goes into your child’s hair, and keep it away from eyes and mouth. Choose products that rinse out easily, and wash them out at bath time. If your child has sensitive skin, test a small amount first.
What if my child changes their mind at the last minute? It happens. Keep a backup outfit in the backpack, and remind them that either choice is fine. Staying relaxed helps a nervous child feel more at ease.
Try this at home: a calm costume morning
- Check the spirit week schedule on Sunday night so nothing is a surprise.
- Pull out a few options together and let your child choose.
- Lay the outfit out with shoes and accessories, so everything is easy to find.
- Set the alarm a few minutes earlier on costume days.
- Snap a quick photo, then head out with plenty of time to spare.
Making busy mornings feel manageable
Mondays have a reputation for a reason. After a weekend of looser routines, getting everyone out the door takes extra patience. A few small habits can help the whole week start more smoothly.
- Pack backpacks and water bottles on Sunday evening.
- Start a load of laundry first thing so it is not waiting all day.
- Keep breakfast simple, with options kids can mostly serve themselves.
- Build in a few buffer minutes for the unexpected, like a missing shoe.
- End the drop-off with a quick, warm goodbye that your child can count on.
Silly days remind us not to take everything too seriously. A child who walks into school feeling proud of how they look is already off to a good start.
Credit for the original post goes to @bestofshaneise on TikTok.