By Cheryl Bac
E-mail Cheryl Bac
About this blog: I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, home cook, marathon runner, and PhD. I recently moved to the Silicon Valley after completing my PhD in Social Psychology and becoming a mother one month apart. Before that, I ran seven marathons incl...
(More)
About this blog: I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, home cook, marathon runner, and PhD. I recently moved to the Silicon Valley after completing my PhD in Social Psychology and becoming a mother one month apart. Before that, I ran seven marathons including Chicago and Boston. Exercise is an integral part of my life. I hope to one day go back to long distance running and tackle the New York City Marathon. Right now I run after my one year old son. Although I am a stay-at-home mom, we are rarely "at home." My mom also stayed at home with my brother and me. She warned me that, although rewarding, it can be isolating. So, with her help, I learned the importance of getting out into the community and meeting other mothers. On the rare occasion when I am at home and have a hand or two free, I squeeze in time to scrapbook. As a new mom, many challenges are thrown my way. I hope my opinions, triumphs, and struggles help experienced parents reminisce, new parents cope, and parents-to-be get an honest glimpse of what the first years of motherhood can entail.
(Hide)
View all posts from Cheryl Bac
Our daughters have a wide array of jackets and sweaters. However, most of the time they choose to leave these pieces of clothing at home, in the minivan, or in their backpacks.
This winter I decided it’s just not a battle worth fighting. They see what clothes I am wearing and they can easily check the weather outside. The rest is up to them.
Growing up in the Midwest, I wore warm clothes because it was necessary. Most of the time, however, my kids will be fine if they go outside in sandals, wear shorts and/or short-sleeves. They may feel cold. Friends and strangers may comment on their clothing choices. But I don’t have to worry about them getting frost bite.
So, we made a deal. Our kids bring warm clothes in their backpacks to school. I keep warm clothes for them in the minivan. And they wear whatever is necessary for an event (swimsuit for the pool, dress up for special occasions, etc). I leave the layering decisions up to them... as long as I don’t hear any whining or complaining.
I think a lot of parents want their kids to wear a jacket or a sweater because they hate hearing all the whining about being cold. It can ruin a family outing to the park, beach, or even school drop off. So, as long as our kids are happy, respectful and not whining about the temperature, I’m fine with them wearing however many layers they want in this California weather.