Can I just skip hats and mittens this year?

[Anonymous]

The kids hate them and lose them. They are fine with the natural consequences of cold hands and I guess they use their hoods when their heads are cold. I usually give up about halfway through the winter after they are lost a couple of times. Can I just go ahead and skip the whole effort this year?

[Anonymous]

I'd have one set set aside for a super cold day. Let them ask for it.

[Anonymous]

Are you serious?

[Anonymous]

wow, just wow.

[Anonymous]

I think that it would be a good idea to have mittens for just in case. I agree with the PP -- don't offer mittens, let them ask.

But it would be fine to skip the hats, especially if their coats have hoods.

OP, for the benefit of the shocked-and-horrified PPs, how old are your kids?

[Anonymous]

If their hats have hoods, I see no reason for an additional hat in any but the most severe weather. I would keep a pair of water proof mittens on hand somewhere, though, in case thy want to go play in the snow or for the most cold days. But an average 30 degree day when they're just going from car to school - let them put their hands in their pockets if they'd rather.

[Anonymous]

Anyone over the age of 3 can decide how cold they are for themselves.

[Anonymous]

I never wear hats or mittens. I just put my hands in my coat pockets when I'm cold. Don't see why your kids can't? And buy them coats with hoods.

[Anonymous]

OP here - 5 and 7. I'll be honest: I'm totally fine with them not wearing mittens and hats. And I usually do not care about judgment from others. For some reason, however, I just feel like a bad parent when I drop my kids off with bare heads and no gloves and I see everyone else's kids all warmly bundled up. I'm not sure why. I'm going to leave a set in the car and just ask if they want them as they leave. They will say no, but this will replace the argument where I insist, they protest, I insist, they take the gear and probably take it off as soon as I'm gone. Assuming we can even find it. That's 5 seconds of exasperation for all of our days gone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - 5 and 7. I'll be honest: I'm totally fine with them not wearing mittens and hats. And I usually do not care about judgment from others. For some reason, however, I just feel like a bad parent when I drop my kids off with bare heads and no gloves and I see everyone else's kids all warmly bundled up. I'm not sure why. I'm going to leave a set in the car and just ask if they want them as they leave. They will say no, but this will replace the argument where I insist, they protest, I insist, they take the gear and probably take it off as soon as I'm gone. Assuming we can even find it. That's 5 seconds of exasperation for all of our days gone.

OP I have 6yo twins. They barely wore a jacket today and it was 39 and windy. They know when they are too hot or cold. Not my problem so long as I encourage them to step outside, test the weather and offer them choices. After that, it's all on them. You a not a bad parent. Let them self regulate!

[Anonymous]

Seriously people. Except for the under 5 kiddos, you shouldn't be wasting energy and disrupting otherwise calm, loving moments fighting with kids over this kind of crap. We don't live in Canada--they aren't going to get frostbite if they don't wear gloves. It's perfectly appropriate to let them figure this crap out themselves. When and if they get cold, TRUST ME, they know how to ask you for what they need. Don't waste the money on it until they ask you to. You're teaching them how to be more responsible with money in general and with the things you buy them, which are important life skills.

[Anonymous]

Just buy some inexpensive knit stuff from target to have on hand. It will last a couple years if they don't use it much. But there may be a couple of days when they need it so better to plan for it.

[Anonymous]

What about when it's time to throw snowballs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - 5 and 7. I'll be honest: I'm totally fine with them not wearing mittens and hats. And I usually do not care about judgment from others. For some reason, however, I just feel like a bad parent when I drop my kids off with bare heads and no gloves and I see everyone else's kids all warmly bundled up. I'm not sure why. I'm going to leave a set in the car and just ask if they want them as they leave. They will say no, but this will replace the argument where I insist, they protest, I insist, they take the gear and probably take it off as soon as I'm gone. Assuming we can even find it. That's 5 seconds of exasperation for all of our days gone.

There's a reason you feel like a bad parent here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about when it's time to throw snowballs?

See, then the kids come and ask you for some mittens. Which you then supply.