When Temperature Feels ‘Off’

Is your child wearing shorts year-round?

Or refusing to take off a hoodie in the middle of summer?

No matter the weather, their clothing never seems to match the environment and conversations about it turn into daily negotiations.

It’s not naughty.

It’s sensory.

Why Temperature Feels So Big

Our skin is the largest organ in the body. It’s where temperature information is gathered and sent to the brain through thermal receptors.

For some kids, that communication system doesn’t send clear signals. Messages can get mixed up on the way to the brain or back to the body, making it hard for them to recognize when they’re too hot, too cold, or just right.

So, what looks like stubbornness is often confusion.

Their body feels different than what we expect it to feel.

Making Temperature More Predictable

One helpful strategy is to make temperature objective instead of emotional.

Most homes have a thermostat. That number can become a neutral reference point, helping kids connect a specific temperature range with certain clothing choices. Over time, this builds awareness of how their body responds in different environments.

It shifts the conversation from “You should be cold” to “Let’s check what our body needs at this temperature.”

Using Sensory Supports to Regulate

Temperature regulation isn’t just about clothes.

Cold treats like popsicles on hot days or warm drinks when it’s cold outside can help bring the body back to a “just right” level. These inputs give the nervous system clearer information to work with.

Predictable temperature spaces also help. When kids know what to expect indoors versus outdoors, they can better anticipate clothing changes and transitions.

Layers matter here, especially in places where the weather shifts quickly. Being able to add or remove clothing gives kids a sense of control as their body changes throughout the day.

A Team Approach Works Best

Temperature sensitivity isn’t black and white. It’s not about who’s right or wrong.

The goal is collaboration, helping kids learn how to read their body signals while also meeting the demands of the environment. When parents and kids work together, regulation becomes a shared skill instead of a daily battle.

It’s Not Naughty. It’s Sensory.

If temperature differences seem to cause constant friction, your child isn’t being difficult. Their nervous system is still learning how to interpret and respond to internal signals.

And that learning takes time.

If you’d like support navigating temperature sensitivity or other sensory challenges, Prairie Grit Therapy offers free developmental and sensory screens. We’re always happy to be another team player for your family.