Mon 23 Jan 2006
It is really cold here, -10° C, and it’s supposed to get colder overnight. In order to stay warm in this weather, both Cathy and I wear heavy winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. Yet I’ve noticed that my children only require mid-weight jackets. Whenever I suggest they wear something heavier for increased comfort, they explain how that’s entirely unnecessary. They stay warm just fine with what they have.
The only explanation I have for this is their cool factor. That is, no one in their right mind in Middle School would ever wear a heavy winter coat, as it’s simply not cool. And since they don’t complain about being cold I figure their cool factor must, indeed, have some insulating value. It’s about 10° C worth (about 20° F), judging by the point at which they decide it’s time to put on something warmer.
January 23rd, 2006 at 10:29 pm
When I was in 4th or 5th grade, I had a sleevless vest that was thick. I loved it. I swore it kept me warm. But for me it wasn’t about being warm, it was about being cool…so to speak.