How Can We Get Our Kids To Zip Their Jackets?

[Jennifer1989]

I am a mother to 3 kids, one son who is 5 and two daughters who are aged 3,and 8. All three of them need reminded of when to zip their jackets so, how can I get them doing it without being asked?

[pixie374]

Just keep reminding them and eventually, they will just remember themselves.

[fiction-factory]

What problems would arise if they didn't zip them- is it the cold you are worried about?

[ummmm]

Never something I ever thought about.

Can they actually do it themselves?

[Toorak]

What an odd question

Why do you ask?

[Toorak]

That was for the OP ^^^

[anneasquith]

You could do it maybe, or txt them a reminder ?

[ummmm]

Especially being summer.

[albaqwerty]

Young uns don't feel the cold the same as ''old'' uns.

If it's a dry, cold day, leave them alone, if it's raining, they'll probably do it up without being asked.

[Cloverjo]

I wouldn’t worry. They’ll do it if it’s cold or rainy outside and they feel they need their jackets zipped.

[wolf63]

I am in my fifties and I still don't zip or button up a jacket. I actually only wear a coat if I must which is not often.
I hate being bundled up - maybe your kids are the same.

[TonyV]

I always have light proof water proof with me if it rains, but normally if I just don't feel the cold. Maybe deprive them of coats for a day?

[naomi24]

What's the problem with telling them to do it? A few words is no big deal. They'll learn eventually.

[EDDIE51]

I have to ask as well , WHY do they need to Zip their jackets ??? Are you in a very cold area ? Seems a very strange thing to ask!

[Cloverjo]

When my son was young he wouldn’t even wear a jacket, let alone zip one up. I heard people whispering things like ‘Poor kid, she won’t even put a coat on him.’

He didn’t freeze to death. He’s doing fine ;)

[Buenchico]

I really can't see why you should regard it as an issue to worry about but, as you clearly do, the standard teacher's solution of using a question to reinforce information is worth a try:

e.g.
"It's a bit cold today, isn't it? What do you think would help you to keep warm?"
or
"It's starting to rain. What can you do to help you keep dry?"

If your children can understand a reason for zipping their jackets up, they're far more likely to do it. (If there's no reason, then you should be the one answering a simple question: "Why on earth are bothering about it?")

[Jennifer1989]

For what it's worth, yes we do live in an area where its rains a lot and can be generally cold hence why I ask :).

[Cloverjo]

I think the answers so far still apply, Jennifer. :)

[Hopkirk]

That's what parents are for.

[EDDIE51]

When I was at primary school , it was considered 'sissy' to zip up your jacket ! If you zipped up your jacket all the other kids would laugh at you and call you a 'baby'! So I zipped up until I was just across the road ,out of Mum's sight and then undid the zip ! All my mates did the same ! NOTHING is worse for a Child than being called 'Mummy's Boy/Girl' . Don't worry about it ! They are not going to come to any harm !! Being called 'Mummys Boy / Girl' is very hurtful and embarasing to a child !
Are you in the UK ? Our weather is very seldom so cold you are in any danger !

[Old_Geezer]

Point out to them that if they can't remember to zip up a jacket now, how are they going to cope with flies in the future !