15 Clever Tricks for Getting Your Kids to Actually Wear Their Winter Gear

Ever feel like you’re wrestling an octopus into a snowsuit? Trust me, I’ve been there! As a mom of two little snow angels (or should I say, snow devils?), I’ve picked up some genius hacks to make winter gear less of a hassle.

1. The Pajama Party Trick

Who says PJs are just for bedtime? On those crazy-busy mornings when you’re racing against the clock, try this sneaky move: layer your kid’s winter clothes right over their pajamas! It’s like a secret weapon for speedy dressing.

Plus, it adds an extra layer of warmth without the usual “But I don’t wanna wear long underwear!” drama. My little girl actually giggled the first time we did this, thinking she was pulling a fast one on me. Little did she know, Mommy always wins!

2. Sticker Power

If your kids are anything like mine, they’re sticker-obsessed. So why not use that to our advantage? I grabbed some fun, winter-themed stickers and started a “gear chart.” Every time they suit up without a fuss, they earn a sticker.

Fill up the chart. That’s grounds for a hot chocolate date! It’s amazing how quickly they’ll zip up those coats when there’s cocoa on the line.

3. The Reverse Psychology Game

Oh, this one’s sneaky – and it works like a charm. Instead of nagging them to put on their winter gear, try telling them they’re not allowed to wear it. “Oh no, honey, that super cool new jacket? That’s just for big kids. You couldn’t possibly handle it yet.” Watch how fast they’ll be demanding to prove you wrong!

4. Make It a Race

Nothing gets my kids moving faster than a good old-fashioned competition. Set a timer and see who can get fully geared up first. The winner gets to choose the first snowman accessory or pick the sledding hill. Trust me, you’ve never seen mittens fly on so fast!

5. The Teddy Bear Dress-Up Show

This one’s perfect for the younger crowd. Let your kids practice putting winter gear on their favorite stuffed animals.

Not only is it adorable (hello, Instagram-worthy moments!), but it also teaches them the process without the pressure. Plus, when it’s their turn, you can say, “Show Teddy how it’s done!”

6. The “Mommy’s So Silly” Method

Kids love it when we adults act goofy. Try putting their hat on your foot or their mitten on your nose. Act confused and ask them to help you figure out where everything goes. They’ll be laughing so hard, they won’t even realize they’re getting dressed.

7. The Superhero Transformation

Winter gear isn’t just clothes– it’s a superhero suit! Create backstories for each piece. That puffy jacket? It gives them super strength. Those boots? They have turbo speed. Gloves? Clearly for shooting ice beams. Suddenly, getting dressed is an epic transformation sequence.

8. The Playlist Power-Up

Music makes everything better, right? Create a special “winter gear” playlist with upbeat songs that last about as long as it takes to get dressed. 

Challenge them to be fully suited up by the end of the song. Bonus points if you throw in some dance moves while putting on those layers!

9. The “Big Kid” Bribe

We all know how much kids want to feel grown-up. Let them earn “big kid points” for handling their own winter gear. Maybe at ten points, they get to stay up 15 minutes later on the weekend. It’s amazing how responsible they suddenly become when there’s a later bedtime at stake!

10. The Gear Scavenger Hunt

Turn getting dressed into an adventure! Hide pieces of winter gear around the house and give them clues to find each item. By the time they’ve tracked down everything, they’ll be so proud of their “treasure” they won’t mind putting it on.

11. The Cozy Contest

This one’s all about the power of positive association. Create a super snuggly, warm space in your house– think blanket fort with twinkle lights. The catch? You only get to enter if you’re fully dressed in winter gear. Watch how fast they bundle up for a chance to enjoy the cozy corner!

12. The “Practice for Vacation” Angle

If you’ve got a winter trip on the horizon, frame winter gear as “practice” for the big adventure. “We need to make sure your skiing outfit is comfortable before we hit the slopes!” Suddenly, wearing all that gear feels like exciting prep work instead of a chore.

13. The Backwards Day Challenge

Okay, moms and dads, get ready for some giggles with this one! Declare a “backward day” and watch the chaos unfold in the best way possible. Everything goes topsy-turvy, including getting dressed for winter!

Start with that puffy jacket, then layer on the sweater, and finish with the base layer. It’s like a clothing parfait! The silliness of it all will have your kids in stitches.

They’ll be so distracted by the ridiculousness of putting on their coat first that they’ll forget to fuss about wearing it at all. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to teach them about layering. Who knew getting dressed “wrong” could feel so right?

14. The Personalization Project

Get ready for a winter gear makeover, folks! This trick is all about letting your little ones unleash their inner fashion designers on their cold-weather duds. Grab some fabric paint, iron-on patches, or even just some funky stickers, and let the customization begin!

Maybe Lily wants to add sparkly snowflakes to her mittens, or Tyler’s dying to put monster truck patches on his snow pants. When kids have a hand in designing their gear, they develop a sense of ownership and pride.

Suddenly, that boring old jacket becomes a wearable masterpiece they can’t wait to show off. It’s amazing how a little personal flair can turn into “Do I have to wear this?” into “Can I wear this to bed?”

15. The “I Spy” Warmth Game

Alright, parents, here’s a game-changer that’ll have your kiddos actually excited about bundling up! Once they’re all decked out in their winter finest, kick off a round of “I Spy” with a cozy twist. Focus on all the warm and snuggly elements of their outfit.

“I spy something fuzzy keeping your ears toasty!” or “I spy something waterproof protecting your toes!” This game does double duty– it reinforces how good it feels to be properly dressed for the cold, and it’s a sneaky way to do a final gear check.

Plus, it builds anticipation for the outdoor fun to come. Before you know it, they’ll be the ones reminding you not to forget your scarf!

Winter Gear Victory!

With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have your little snow bunnies suited up and ready for arctic adventures in no time. Remember, a little creativity goes a long way in turning winter gear battles into bonding moments. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with a snowman and two very well-dressed kiddos!