Where I live, we experience all four seasons vividly. Spring and fall are delightful, but summers can be scorching, and winters bring the risk of frostbite. Despite these seasonal extremes, one thing remains constant: boys in shorts.
While girls also wear shorts throughout the year, it’s far more prevalent among boys. No matter how chilly it gets, many of them forgo coats in favor of their beloved shorts. As a mother, I find this perplexing.
I have three sons and one daughter. My youngest daughter, at just 5, bundles up completely with gloves, a hat, and a warm coat, while her brothers opt for shorts paired with lightweight sweatshirts, often without a coat in sight. My youngest son might still comply and wear pants when it’s cold, but my 11- and 13-year-olds? Absolutely not. They’ll begrudgingly take a coat, only to toss it in a backpack or leave it in the car, never to be used.
As a recess monitor, I’ve noticed this phenomenon isn’t limited to my household. I’d estimate that around 65% of boys outside on a cold day are in shorts (and I suspect that number might be conservative). While a few kids may acknowledge the freezing conditions and dress appropriately, they’re in the minority. Instead, you’ll often see boys with knee-high socks rather than pants.
Curious about this pattern, I turned to the internet for insights on why boys prefer shorts over pants or coats. I also consulted friends who are teachers and parents of boys, and their responses echoed similar sentiments. Many cited discomfort with pants and coats, mentioning they feel “too clingy” or “too bulky.” Others claimed that their kids get too hot running around during recess. Then there are those who simply enjoy being contrary. Yet, the most common response, in line with typical teenage vagueness, was that they just don’t like them.
I asked my sons directly why they refuse to wear pants. My oldest remarked, “Why would I? No one else does. I don’t want to look like a weirdo.” So, is this a case of peer pressure? Perhaps.
My middle son is known for getting hot while playing outside. Interestingly, he mentioned he just pulls his gaiter up over his face during recess to keep warm and shield his cheeks from the wind. As for my youngest? His response was, “If they’re doing it, so am I.”
To dig deeper, a friend suggested it might be a hormonal issue, which seemed plausible. Dr. Sarah Mitchell explained that “testosterone can indeed keep them warmer, and body hair can play a role too.” This makes sense, but there’s more to it. According to the Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, men tend to heat up more quickly because of their higher metabolic rates, which means they generate more body heat.
“Even though men and women maintain a standard internal temperature of 98.6 degrees, men typically have more muscle mass, which allows for greater heat production. When that heat dissipates, it warms their skin and the air just above it,” the article states.
Whether this trend is driven by fashion, rebellion, a need to fit in with friends, or biological factors, it seems unlikely that we will see an end to boys wearing shorts in winter any time soon. Is it worth engaging in a battle over? Sometimes, yes. If temperatures are dangerously low, it’s important to insist on proper clothing.
However, if the cold is merely unbearable in your opinion but bearable in theirs, perhaps it’s best to let them make their own choices. Just remind them that if they come home complaining about the cold after recess, it was their decision—and direct them to where their coat is hanging.
Even with this advice, I have a strong feeling that coat will remain untouched until spring.
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Summary
Boys often prefer wearing shorts even in cold weather, influenced by peer pressure, personal comfort, and biological factors. As a parent, it’s essential to balance their choices with safety, especially during extreme temperatures. Understanding these dynamics can help navigate the challenges of dressing children appropriately for the weather.