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6 Friday, January 26, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com It's 9 a.m. and -10 C outside. I'm standing in the doorway holding out a coat for my daughter. She's arguing about wearing it. I try to explain it's extremely cold. She snarls. I look at her feet and, even with the fur, her footwear is not going to cut it. Yet she isn't go- ing to put on boots. I give in. Let her learn from her mistakes. My dog is also stubborn. He happily Brooklin Family Matters: by Leanne Brown Why Don't Teens Wear Coats in Winter? trots outside, gets about 500 metres and stops. I held the coat out to him and he allowed me to put it on him, probably reluctantly. If you have a teenager in your house, this may all sound familiar. In fact, I had the same conversation with my daughter about an hour beforehand as she attempted to go to school in a puffer vest and suede slippers. It seems teenagers do not like wearing winter coats, boots, hats, scarves or gloves. But why? Let's face it: teenagers can seem strange. Parents may never really understand them. Yes, we were young once and probably baffled our parents just as much. Still, why would a teen leave the house in the dead of winter wearing nothing but a lightweight fleece hoodie and thin leggings? Stumped by the mystery, I asked my daughter and a few of her friends. Here's what they said: "Coats are a big pain to carry around in school." "I can't fit a big, puffy coat into my locker." "I don't get cold." "Coats are uncomfortable and hot and I can't fit my backpack over it." "Last year I lost my jacket and my mom flipped out. I don't want to get in trouble for losing it again." "No one else is wearing one. Hoodies are better." I dug a little deeper. "Why are hoodies better?" They claim hoodies seem to act like a security blanket for big kids. Apparently a soft, worn-in fleece hoodie (naturally with the right brand) is "way" cooler than a coat and "way" more comfortable. Since most teens wear oversized hoodies, they can hide their hands in their sleeves and stay warm in drafty classrooms. When comparing coats to hoodies, hoodies win. But what about slippers? As expected, that started with TikTok when some influencers cut the top off of Uggs and transformed them into slippers. The company caught on to the trend and made a version that celebrities are wearing. Last year's hottest shoe feels like walking on a sheepskin cloud. As for wearing them in the snow, the girls agreed it wasn't the best option. So there you have the unscientific survey: Hoodies and slippers win over coats and boots. A comfort thing. I get it. I'm wearing my hoodie and slippers right now. You can't argue with comfort. Brooklin is Tanya Tierney Country! Call or Text: 905.706.3131 office@tanyatierneyteam.com 49 Baldwin St. Brooklin *Based on units sold TREB MLS statistics Prouodly the #1 Realtor in Brooklin since 2012* 4 Woodbridge Cir, Port Perry For Sale! 20 Stotts Terr, Scarborough For Sale! 228 Summit Dr, Ceasarea For Sale! 3 Derby Crt, Brooklin For Sale! 30 Clair Ave, Brooklin For Sale! 136 Springdale Dr, Lindsay For Sale! 34 Patton St, Collingwood New Listing! 13 Reese Ave, Ajax New Listing! 3 Derby Crt, Brooklin SOLD! 228 Summit Dr, Caesarea Coming Soon! 60 Darius Harns Dr, Brooklin SOLD! 12 Wycombe St, Brooklin SOLD Over Asking!