As the temperatures continue to plummet, parents everywhere are pulling out winter jackets for their children. But if you’re like most parents, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of your child refusing to wear a jacket no matter how cold it is. For one reason or another, your child adamantly refuses to keep their jacket on despite the body-chilling temperatures.
Below are several common reasons children refuse jackets and how parents can have success with keeping their children warm.
Children Are Naturally Warm
Although there are some behavioral reasons for why children may refuse a jacket, there is a major biological reason that parents should understand: children have a higher concentration of brown fat than adults.
Brown fat is specially designed to generate heat. Infants have the highest concentration of brown fat because they lack the muscle mass to shiver, which allows them to stay warm after birth. As children grow, brown fat will gradually decrease, but toddlers and young children still have brown fat that keeps them warm.
Brown fat can make children feel like they’re already wearing a jacket. So, of course, they don’t want a second jacket–they’re literally too warm! This is why it’s common to see school children wearing shorts in the wintertime.
Of course, this doesn’t mean parents shouldn’t require children to wear jackets; parents should help their children understand the importance of jackets and require them to be worn whenever possible.
Children Desire Independence
Children quickly realize that many choices are made for them and seek to assert independence in whatever areas they can. Whether it’s food, TV shows, or wardrobe choices, children are quick to state their preferences and insist on being independent. Refusing a jacket is just another area that a child may be seeking for control.
Higher Body Temperature
Not only does a child’s higher brown fat concentration affect their body temperature, but children are generally more active when outdoors than adults. Just like you are throwing off your jacket after a few minutes of shoveling snow, children likewise don’t feel the need for a jacket after a few minutes of running, climbing, or romping with friends.
How To Handle Jacket Refusal
How should parents respond when their child refuses a jacket? Here are some suggestions:
- Give Choices: If possible, offer a choice of jacket or thick sweatshirt. Giving two choices lets your child feel like they’re in control and keeps them warm.
- Accommodate Sensory Needs: Find a jacket that accommodates the specific sensory needs for your child. There are many companies who make sensory-friendly clothing and jackets.
- Let Them Experience the Cold Consequences: Obstinate children may need a dose of reality. If they refuse a jacket, let them experience the cold! Never keep a child outside in frigid temperatures for longer than a few minutes, but even those few uncomfortable minutes can help them appreciate the value of a jacket. They also would need to stay inside during recess while the other children play. These natural consequences may be the only option to convince children to wear a jacket.
If your child is refusing a jacket, the good news is, it’s unlikely they’re as cold as you imagine. Their protective brown fat helps them stay warmer than an adult.
However, parents should do all they can to encourage the healthy habit of wearing a jacket. Find a jacket that your child feels comfortable and confident in, and you’ll have less of a struggle.