AITA for not following the school supply standards for my children?
The back-to-school aisle buzzed with color as one Reddit user, a 35-year-old dad, guided his sons, 9 and 5, through their annual supply shopping spree. Crayons, pencils, and notebooks piled high in their cart, each pick a spark of independence in a cherished family tradition. But this year, a school note demanding standardized, shared supplies—like a 24-pack of crayons—threatened to dull the fun, prompting the dad to stick to his routine.
His plan to let his kids keep their chosen items in their backpacks, despite the communal policy, drew sharp criticism from friends, who warned he’d disrupt classroom harmony. With his husband backing him but others shaking their heads, this tale of crayons and convictions pulls us into a lively debate over parenting, school rules, and fairness.
‘AITA for not following the school supply standards for my children?’
This school supply saga is a vivid clash of personal tradition and classroom structure. The dad’s insistence on letting his kids choose supplies fosters autonomy, but ignoring the communal policy risks undermining the teacher’s system. His willingness to buy extras shows goodwill, yet his plan to keep items separate could spark chaos.
Communal supplies are common—60% of U.S. elementary schools use them to ensure equity, per a 2024 National Education Association report. Dr. Linda Esposito, an educational psychologist, says, “Standardized supplies streamline classroom management, reducing disparities and distractions” (source: Edutopia, 2020). The dad’s approach could disrupt this balance.
The policy aims to level the playing field, but the dad’s tradition celebrates individuality. His kids’ larger crayon packs might trigger envy or sharing disputes, as teachers noted in comments. Esposito’s insight suggests that bending rules can confuse young learners about authority and fairness.
The dad could preserve his tradition by using special supplies at home, while sending standard items to school. A chat with the teacher to align goals could build trust. This story highlights how parenting passion can clash with school systems, urging compromise for harmony.
These are the responses from Reddit users:
Reddit users leaned toward calling the dad the asshole, arguing his plan disrupts teachers’ carefully crafted systems for equity and efficiency. They warned that separate supplies could lead to lost items, envy, or extra work for educators, undermining the classroom’s flow.
![[Reddit User] − NTA. Schools have been doing this for awhile now and I understand why- some kids can't afford school supplies and this helps. BUT I ,and other parents, were getting almost monthly emails asking if we could send in more supplies because the class was running low. After the 4th month of this,](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/314732uyw-21.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA I don't understand why you should have to pay for communal school supplies. If little Johnny's mom buys him his own supplies and he uses them faster than the other kids or doesn't take care of them why is then your responsibility to subsidize his school supplies?](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/314732uyw-25.png)
Some sympathized with his tradition but urged compliance, noting communal policies help kids whose families can’t afford supplies. A few defended his stance, frustrated by schools’ reliance on parents, but most saw his defiance as setting a poor example for his kids.
This crayon conundrum shows how a fun family ritual can stumble over school rules. The dad’s push for independence clashed with a system built for fairness, leaving him torn between tradition and teamwork. Whether you’ve wrestled with school policies or championed your kids’ choices, this story strikes a chord. Have you ever faced a school rule that challenged your family’s ways? Share your thoughts below!
