Kids' Clothes Give Teacher a Real Headache

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.)