Now that cold temperatures are here to stay, parents 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 Have High Brown Fat Concentration
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 designed to generate heat. Infants have the highest concentration of brown fat because they lack the muscle mass to shiver, so brown fat allows them to stay warm after birth. As children grow, brown fat will gradually decrease, but toddlers and young children still have extra brown fat that keeps them warm.
Because of brown fat, children feel like they’re already wearing a jacket. So, of course, they don’t want a second jacket–they’re literally too hot! This is why it’s common to see school children wearing shorts in the wintertime and children refusing jackets.
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.
Sensory Discomfort
Many children these days have true sensitivities to tags, seams, and fabrics. Their winter jacket may be too heavy, scratchy, bulky, or otherwise uncomfortable. While parents shouldn’t indulge their child’s every preference, sensory discomforts are a challenge that may need accommodation.
Jacket Preference
Children are strongly influenced by the fashion preferences of their peers. Your child may not want to wear a jacket that they don’t find fashionable or cool. Additionally, older children tend to not find any jacket fashionable or cool, so they try to forego them altogether.
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 they’re probably not 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.