Cold Weather Dressing

The Secrets to Peaceful Dressing for Cold Weather

Must tears, shouts and snowsuits be synonymous? No, but the secret to happy cooperation is recognizing who you are working with. "Spirited" kids are active, sensitive and intense. To keep things moving along smoothly it is important to plan accordingly.

Select soft, flexible outdoor clothing with free movement in mind. Restrictive clothing fuels frustration. The mere sight of a stiff, binding coat may trigger the child who not only likes, but NEEDS to run, walk, climb and roll in the snow! When purchasing outdoor clothing it’s important to remember the ability to MOVE in it is more important than how cute or even how warm it is, because if it’s soft and flexible they’ll move more. Slightly used outdoor clothing may be a better option than a new purchase if that purchase is stiff and binding.

Practice dressing skills when you are not rushed. Add outdoor clothing to your dress-up basket. A one-piece snowsuit, which can be easier to get on than a separate jacket and pant combination, may serve as a spacesuit during imaginative play. Snow boots morph into firefighter boots. Practice becomes play, and skills are strengthened, reducing frustration when it is time to get out the door.

Teach the order of putting on outdoor clothing. Until you teach them, children do not know that snowsuits or snow pants go on before snow boots. After working for several minutes to put on boots, it’s an infuriating surprise to learn they must be removed to get on the pants. Nor do children know that if you put on a hat and jacket and then try to put on boots you are going to get hot! To set the kids up for success at her childcare center, Lynn taught the kids a chant, “Pants, Boots, Jacket, Hat and Mittens. And just to be certain the message was clear, created a visual plan showing each item and the order to put them on. You can too.

Recognize a bid for connection. Sometimes, even the most capable child who typically dresses with few issues, suddenly refuses, or insists they can’t. Odds are this is a bid for connection, from your sensitive child who synchronizes to your stress level. Rather than fighting about it, go with it by saying, “Today, it seems like you need some help. I’ll help you.” Then do it. End with a big hug and get out the door so you don’t add being late to your frustration level. No need to worry that helping will create a bad habit. The need is temporary. At this point in time, for whatever reason, life is more stressful. A few minutes of extra connection boosts coping skills.

For additional information on caring for your "Spirited" little one, please see my book "Raising Your Spirted Child".

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