I can’t believe that we had a “coat revolt” at minus 13 degrees!

I am so tired of this battle regarding the wearing of coats.  My boys continually choose this battle and it’s driving me crazy.  While I know that virus’ are not caused by going out in the cold, this doesn’t stop me from acting on my instincts and my deep-seated parental impulses to protect and bundle my children up.  Plus, we are in Minnesota.  Culturally, it’s considered the right thing to do.

I know, of course, that the coat revolt starts early.  My toddlers threw tantrums over bundling up and by lower school I could see the battle mounting.  Now, in middle school I find my position slipping.

Yesterday was a perfect example.  I had high hopes of getting to work early and dropped my daughter off at 7:50.  I realized I forgot something at home and figured a quick stop back there would still get me to work by 8:15.  I walk in the door and what do I see?  My son’s coat.  He clearly walked out of the house, got on the bus with a short sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt … no coat.  Mind you, it’s -13!  I think, S%^&!!

I call him while he’s on the bus and he tells me he doesn’t need a coat!  What the freak?  Come on!  Half-way through the conversation (with me being frustrated and him ignoring my “issues”) he says, “Mom?  Mom?  I am running out of battery on my phone.  I’m going to have to hang up.”  Yea, right …. now I’m getting the “battery is running out” excuse?!

I know students choose their outfits very carefully and that many different factors can go into the decision-making process.  Clearly, weather appropriateness is not one of those factors.  For some reason at my daughter’s school almost all kids refuse to use their lockers and carry around these heavy backpacks all day.  Yet, they refuse to wear coats because they have to carry them around all day!  The thing with my son is, this is not a fashionista issue.  This is simply a guy-forgetfulness matter.  Even more frustrating!

Yesterday morning the air temperature was -13 degrees with the wind chill temperature even worse.  The weather service said that at this temperature, exposed skin will begin to suffer frostbite in 10 minutes.  Ten minutes in teen-time is 10 status updates on Facebook, 6 text messages, a couple of snap chats and all the while listening to 4 songs.

So, this is going to have to be one of those kids learn through experience things.  And, after being cold once or twice — he may learn his lesson.  Meanwhile, I got caught up in my “mom” thing yesterday and had to bring the coat to school (for me, mind you, not him) and was much later to work than I wanted to be.  Backing off doesn’t come naturally to me but I think that’s the only way this is going to work.  This is a frustrating parental experience (and I’m freezing doing it!).

Stay warm today!