As the days grow colder, it’s the time for hot cocoa, warm cookies, and cozy sweaters. Yet, my sons seem to think we’re basking in the summer sun, dressing for a beach day even when the temperature is hovering around freezing.
Honestly, I just don’t get it. I’ve been on this planet for over 40 years and a mom for more than 11, and I’ve accepted that there are things I may never comprehend. Take quantum physics—no chance I’ll ever grasp that. And don’t get me started on Common Core math. Then there’s the bizarre phenomenon of my kids tuning into YouTube videos where people merely unbox baseball cards or plastic toys. Or why a late-night adventure means they’ll wake up at dawn, two hours earlier than usual.
But the greatest mystery of all? Why my tween and teen boys insist on wearing shorts and T-shirts when there’s snow on the ground. Even when it’s freezing outside, they refuse to don coats.
To their credit, they rarely complain about being cold. They’ve learned that if they shiver in front of me after I’ve warned them about the chill, they’ll earn a withering look from me. I’m not here for the “I’m cold” whines, boys.
Honestly, I’ve stopped nagging them about dressing for the weather. If they get chilly, they’ll eventually choose warmer clothes, right? Well, in theory. But these stubborn kids would rather brave frostbite than admit I was right about needing a hat and gloves.
What really gets under my skin, however, isn’t their attire or concern about them catching a cold. It’s the passive-aggressive remarks from strangers.
No, grocery store cashier, my son won’t catch a cold from not wearing a coat. That’s not how it works. If he gets sick, it’s because he’s in a germ-filled classroom all winter, not because he’s coat-less.
And yes, Aunt Marge, I do purchase jackets, hats, and gloves for them. They simply opt out of wearing them. I’ve decided to let them learn the hard way (and freeze a bit) in hopes it’ll encourage better choices later on.
And to the random passerby, I can’t “make” my kids wear a coat. My son is 11 and nearly my size. It’d be physically impossible to force his arms into a coat; even if I could, I wouldn’t. It’s all about respecting his autonomy.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in parenting is choosing your battles. This isn’t one I’m willing to fight. So here we are: temperatures in the mid-30s, frost covering the ground, snow on the way, and my sons in their shorts and T-shirts, while I suppress the urge to tell them to put on some decent clothes.
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In summary, I’ve decided to let my kids dress how they want, even if it means risking a little chill. After all, they’ll learn from their choices, and I’ve got bigger battles to choose from in this parenting journey.