People make me laugh sometimes about certain rigid rules in their mind. One of which is needing to wear jacket. My son doesn’t like to wear a jacket, and to me, it’s not that big of a deal if he decides. I remember being young and not wanting one and being forced into it.  My late husband and I shared the philosophy that if our children didn’t want to wear them, they will learn either they’re right or wrong in their decision.
Now my son is at the age of being able to tell me what he wants and doesn’t. I started to fight my son to wear a jacket on cold days. But then I remembered to give him a chance to have control over his own temperature and body. Since my decision, the morning routine goes so much easier without the fight and struggle.
I, of course, make sure that he dresses appropriately for the weather. We listen to the weather and make good clothing choices. I also bring a heavier jacket for him with us for just in case. I usually wear a jacket because I’m a cold person, but I don’t wear it because someone tells me to but because I choose to wear them.
Many people think I’m crazy or being careless for this philosophy, but we need to consider a few facts. Being cold doesn’t actually make you sick, we aren’t talking subzero temperatures, and he is usually only going in the van and out of the van for a few minutes each. Now I do have him take a heavy jacket to school and he does have to listen to his teacher and wear it when he plays outside. He knows to respect his teacher and do as she asks.
I learned with my daughter who is now eleven, she usually does make smart appropriate winter wear decisions. She also brings a jacket just in case. I believe my son is learning and often as soon as we step outside, he grabs his jacket real quick as he feels a cold blast. I think, in time, that he will be taking jackets with him on his own. Or, he might actually start to believe me when I tell him that I think it’s cold for a jacket.
One of the most challenging things about this “choose your own jacket “ philosophy is other people who disagree. You’ll hear all different comments especially from relatives, and in my case, personal care attendants. You just need to smile and feel confident in your parenting choices. I do teach my children to respect of adults and do as they ask when I’m not in charge.
Good luck and here is to happier moments out the door!
Coats for boys
