I already knew before writing this blog that I am not alone in the constant struggle to get my kids to wear warm clothing when it’s literally freezing out! But, please for the love of pearl, can someone explain to me why they refuse to dress according to the weather? If it’s cold, they wear shorts. If it’s warm, they wear sweatshirts. SMH!
When I was little, I don’t remember having a choice in what to wear. I’m from St. Petersburg, so we didn’t see freezing temps often, but when we did, I recall my mom making sure I had on tights, long sleeves or pants, a jacket, and closed-toed shoes. And there was no argument. Off I went.
My 5-year-old will wear whatever I lay out for him. He loves wearing a hoodie or his jacket — or both. Just like he loves his rainboots and uses his umbrella every chance he can. He seems to have a lot of young sense when it comes to dressing for the weather. My 12-year-old, on the other hand, doesn’t own a jacket and only has a few pairs of pants — many with the tags still on them because they never get worn!
Cue the cold weather and cue my preteen’s refusal to wear anything remotely warm. The funny thing is, he has P.E. first period. So, he’s outside as soon as gets to school, which is often when it’s still very chilly out on a cold day. Every time he walks out the door to leave for the school bus, I ask, “Don’t you think you need to wear pants or a jacket?” The answer is always, “No, I’m good,” he says. “Can you just bring a sweatshirt in case you get cold?” I ask. “Nah, I’m good,” he replies.
I don’t think this is a gender-specific thing, either. I’ve seen plenty of teen girls in sweatshirts and short shorts, even on the coldest of mornings. Do they look cute? Yes. Are they freezing? Probably. And in denial.
Please, someone, help me understand why. Is it just a “cool” phase? Are they truly not cold? Is it an independence thing? Is it what the cool kids are doing?
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I guess I will just give up the constant struggle and go buy myself a cute, warm outfit. And maybe some new boots to go with it so at least someone in this family is warm.
