As summer slowly, or possibly not so slowly, turns to fall, with it can come drastic temperature changes. It may be long pants and jacket weather when your child leaves for school, and by lunchtime, be T-shirt and shorts weather.
What are we as parents to do when it comes to dressing our children appropriately for school? Obviously, you want them to be warm or cool enough, and many times it’s not possible to find an outfit that will work for the whole day. Here are a few little helpful suggestions I’ve learned through the years.
Keep an eye on updated weather reports for your area. Notice the morning temperature lows and afternoon temperature highs. Be mindful of how warm or cool it will be when your child leaves for school, and when he or she returns from school. If these difference are drastic enough to require a complete change of clothing to be comfortable, find a few ways to keep them cozy, but yet not have to take an entire wardrobe change to school.
With this in mind, plan what clothing your child will need for the day. Is it too cool to be without a jacket in the morning, but perhaps still OK to get by with shorts because by afternoon it will be scorching? Or, perhaps long pants are in order, but they can still wear a short sleeve and remove the jacket later to be comfortable. A hooded sweatshirt is great for days such as this, one they put on or take off as they might need it throughout the day. Another option is a baggy pair of sweat pants they can easily slip on and off over their shoes and other clothing, or better yet, a snap up pair of athletic pants they can easily remove by themselves at school.
Shoes are another thing to consider when dressing in the morning. If it’s really chilly, even if it’s going to be significantly warmer later on, perhaps flip flops and no socks are not the best choice for the day.
I am always surprised to see little kids arriving at school in the mornings, dress completely inappropriately for the current weather. Skorts, tees, and flip flops are not great choices when it’s 48 degrees in the morning and their breath is showing from the cold.They are usually the children who end up coughing and sneezing within the week I’ve noticed. Be mindful and use good judgement, and have your child take the extra items they can remove later if needed.
Dressing your child appropriately for the changing weather requires simple planning, of being aware of the forecast, and choosing appropriate clothing items to bring with them to school. Your child will appreciate being comfortable throughout the day, no matter what the temperature may be outside.