How to Get Kids to Wear Warmer Clothes in the Winter
The carefree days of summer mean little clothing and no fussing with things like coats and boots. Once the temperature starts to drop, your child may start resisting the extra layers and longer prep time. Some kids struggle with the transition due to the changing wardrobe. Everything from the way you set up her closet to helping her find comfortable winter clothes can help smooth the transition. With these strategies in mind, you can reduce the wintertime arguments over dressing for the weather.
Instructions
Set minimum requirements for clothing in the winter. Require her to have her legs covered, either with pants, leggings or thick winter tights. Establish temperature guidelines if your child fights you on wearing a coat. If she knows she is required to wear a jacket at 60 degrees or lower and a winter jacket at 40 degrees or lower, you leave little room for argument. Review the school handbook to find out if the school has clothing regulations. For example, your child may have to stay inside for recess without a winter coat or gloves. Point out these school rules as a way to reinforce the need for winter clothing. Remove clothes from your child's room that aren't appropriate for winter. Pack away her tank tops, shorts and sundresses to keep them out of sight. Display her winter clothes prominently in the closet or in the dresser. Shop with your child to pick out a few new pieces of warmer clothing if the budget allows. The new clothing items may make winter dressing more exciting for your child. If you can't afford a whole new wardrobe, help her go through her winter clothes to put together some outfits. She probably doesn't remember what she has in her winter wardrobe, so a review of her closet's contents may encourage her to dress warmly. Modify her favorite summer wear to make it appropriate for winter. Her favorite t-shirts become suitable for colder temperatures with a long-sleeved shirt underneath. A pair of thick leggings or tights extend her skirt and dress selection into the winter months. Check the fit of the cool-weather clothing in her closet. That turtleneck may feel tight on her neck, or her sweaters may feel itchy. Find winter clothing and coats that feel comfortable on your child so she is more likely to wear them without complaining. Show your child how to dress in layers. Explain that she should start with enough layers to keep her warm, but she may remove some layers if she warms up later. Having the flexibility to remove clothing items may encourage her to wear winter clothes. For example, if she knows she has a t-shirt as her bottom layer, she may be more willing to wear the sweater or sweatshirt over it. Check the weather each morning before forcing your child into warm, winter clothing. Depending on your climate and the weather, she may not need a heavy sweater every day during the winter. The beginning and end of winter in particular may include warmer days that allow for lighter clothing or jackets.
