Why Kids Don't Want to Wear Jumpers

The Conversation is talking about kids.

The topic is about children.

It's Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 3:58 pm.

When kids say they're not cold, they might mean the jumper feels bad.

Kids often refuse to wear jumpers when it's time to go out. They have their bags and shoes ready, but then they don't want to wear a jumper.

You tell your child to put on a jumper.

Your child says they're not cold.

Do kids really not feel the cold like adults do, or are they just being independent?

A clue from pain research can help us understand this.

Pain research can give us a hint about why kids don't want to wear jumpers.

When kids play, they might not notice a scrape on their knee until they stop playing.

The cold can be like that scrape - it can be in the background until the kid stops playing.

When the kid stops playing, they might notice the cold and want a jumper.

When kids say they're not cold, they might mean they're comfortable.

They might also mean the jumper feels worse or they want to keep playing.

When parents ask if their kid is cold, they're asking many questions at once.

Kids tell us how they feel now, but parents think about how they'll feel later.

What does cold actually feel like?

Our skin has special nerves that tell us when it's cold.

These nerves help us feel the cold and send a message to our brain.

Mint can make our mouth feel cool, and that's because of these nerves.

Kids have a strong desire to be independent, and that's healthy.

The cold can feel uncomfortable or painful, especially with wind or wet clothes.

Parents standing still in the cold might feel it more than kids who are running around.

Kids' bodies are different from adults', and they make heat when they move.

Kids' bodies also have a higher metabolism than adults, which helps them stay warm.

A study found that kids' skin was warmer than adults' skin, even in the cold.

Kids might feel the cold, but it's different from how adults feel it.

Our bodies get ready for what's coming next.

We learn about how our body keeps its temperature, but it's not just about the body - it's also about what we do.

When we're cold, we might walk into the sun or add a layer to stay warm.

Kids who keep running might already be warm enough.

Our bodies prepare for what's coming, and that's called allostasis.

Some things happen automatically, like our heart beating faster when we exercise.

Other things involve choices, like putting on a jumper or seeking shelter.

Young kids often rely on adults to help them prepare.

Kids tell us how they feel, and we add what we know about the weather and schedule.

What does the jumper feel like?

A jumper can feel scratchy, bulky, or restrictive.

Tags and seams can feel uncomfortable, especially for kids with sensitive skin.

A kid might prefer to be a little cold rather than wear an uncomfortable jumper.

We should ask if the kid is comfortable, not just if they're cold.

We can ask if they'll be running or sitting still, or if they want to wear the jumper or carry it.

These questions help kids think about what they need.

When should parents insist on a jumper?

Parents should insist when the kid is very young, wet, sick, or will be outside for a long time.

If the kid is shivering or numb, it's time to get them warm.

If the kid is clumsy, drowsy, or confused, it could be hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.

For normal winter days, it's good to have flexible layers so the kid can adjust.

A jumper in the bag lets the kid feel heard and lets the parent keep an eye on the weather.

Joshua Pate is a professor who wrote this article.

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