I send out a notice in my newsletter as the weather turns and remind parents to send extra socks and pants and to ensure little ones are dressed for the unpredictable weather.

I have had kids come in mittens and hats that are more "fashion" than practical and I then tell the parents the truth and say that "Little Susie was pretty cold today and was crying when we were outside." Her hands were red when I took her mittens off. I love how cute her mittens are but they aren't very warm. I wish they made the cute mittens warmer but does she have anything else that she could wear?"
This usually makes parents feel bad for their little ones and they show up warmer the next day.

I have also been giving pointers on what brands/type of mittens are warmer. I have seen a lot of different kinds and am starting to recognize a good hat or mitten when I see it