Creative Ways to Get Kids to Wear Coats

Cool winds blow and some kids don't seem to mind. Whether it's because they run hot, or just don't notice the cold until they are shivering, kids don't always want to wear their coats. Although this can be frustrating for parents, there are some creative ways to encourage kids to wear their coats -- or at least be responsible for bringing them along in case they want them later.

  1. Model Enthusiasm

    • How many times do you leave the house in a hurry, bustling everyone along in a gruff or otherwise pushy manner? If you're the parent who is always calm and collected, you can still probably benefit from some enthusiasm as you creatively encourage your child to wear a coat. Some kids just don't respond to force, so plan a couple of extra minutes at the door to engage in some fun coat donning with your child. You could help each other put on coats, see who is the quickest, silliest or most studious as you get ready for the cold.

    Teach Independence

    • If you've gotten into a rut with nagging your child, back off and let him take the lead with his coat. Even small children can learn how to flip their coats on by themselves, according to Preschool Power, a video of kids teaching kids created by a Montessori teacher. Lay the coat on its back. Stand behind the hood or collar, put arms in (coat will be upside down), then flip it over the head. Also, you can ask your child to check himself a few minutes before leaving the house to see if he has what he needs to leave, including his coat.

    Offer Choices

    • Do you like to be told what to do? Kids don't either. If you find yourself feeling frustrated that your child won't get his coat on already, consider offering choices. For example, ask if he would like to wear his coat tied around his waist if he doesn't want to wear it. Maybe he would prefer to take it with him in a bag or set it next to the car seat in case he wants it later. Would it be OK for him to choose to feel the cold first, then put it on when he's ready? Let your child choose whenever possible.

    Keep It in Perspective

    • Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman, parent educators and authors at uncommon-parenting.com, suggest "see[ing] it all as perfect" as a way to help you stay calm and keep things in perspective. If your child is super-resistant to wearing a coat, maybe you can use this opportunity to learn more about your child, or get really creative; be gently persistent, keep an extra coat in the car, allow him the chance to choose to wear his coat or simply let it go.

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