Mom’s Money

Cold Weather Cozy

As the temperature hits all time lows in many areas of the country, I’m reminded of my grandparents’ and parents’ advise, or some might say, order; “Put on a sweater!”  Now that I have children of my own, I see where this needs to be reiterated. 

With heating costs rising, budgets tightening, and temperatures dropping, there is no room for turning up the thermostat in our house.  We budget for a certain amount of money going toward heating and cooling.  When the weather gets brutally cold and the house is harder to heat, there is already a strain on our furnace even without turning up the heat.  How do we tolerate the chill in the air and stay cozy and warm in our house?  Just like Grandma did, by putting on a sweater.

My children came up to me during this cold spell and asked “Can we turn up the heat? We’re cold.”  As I look down at those sweet little faces, I realize that I’m looking at a leotard, t-shirt, shorts, and bare feet.  Of course, I don’t want my darlings to suffer from the cold, but they are barely dressed.  My Mom’s answer rings in my ears - “Go get dressed and put on some socks and shoes.”  

If your children are old enough to dress themselves, but not yet old enough to understand the concept of dressing for winter, lay out some proper clothing for them.  Long sleeve shirts, sweaters, pants, socks, slippers, or shoes are your answer to conserving energy and money spent heating your house.  If your family takes off their shoes at the door, purchase a few pairs of shoes or slippers to be worn only in the house.  And, be sure Mom and Dad follow suit.  Kids will learn first what they see, not what they are told to do. 

Bundle up and stay warm this winter.  Help your family stay cozy by snuggling inside nice big sweaters and fuzzy slippers.  Your furnace and heat bill will be so much happier that you did… and so will your family!