Is it safe for young children to sit around in wet clothing?

Question

We have had a lot of wet weather here lately and today my daughter-in-law called in with my grandsons (aged eight,seven and three) having been caught in a shower.The boys' clothing was damp (she hadn't put them in proper waterproofs) and when it started to bucket down she had to stay here (even though she was only planning on a brief visit).The boys were shivering (although she denied this later) and I suggested getting them changed into the clothes that I have for the older two here for when they change after school (which she says are "old-fashioned" but my grandsons love them so I don't know if that had anything to do with it).
She refused and just told me to "turn the heating up"!
Is it dangerous for children to wear wet clothing?
I am very concerned as it may affect their bones and lead to arthritis in later life.
When my own boys got soaked I stripped them and put them into a hot bath and then wrapped them up warmly even in Summer.
Is she being irresponsible?

This is not a "one off" as some suggest.When we went to Skegness she left them in their wet bathing trunks after they had been in the sea saying they would "dry on" even though I had packed fresh underpants for them to change into.
She has no idea what harm damp clothing can do to growing children even when it seems hot outside and I worry about them constantly.I am sure that they will be running a temperature today and she wouldn't even notice.
Joan.

Answer 1

It can't possibly be good. Every time it rains, however heavily I see school children of all ages, and others, walking around in T shirts or pullovers in the winter. They don't seem to have coats at all.

I share your view that it may well cause avoidable problems in later years, and make a point of getting out of wet or damp clothes as soon as possible. In any case, it's horribly uncomfortable, and nothing beats putting on something lovely and warm from the airing cupboard when you are damp and chilled. Chicken soup for the soul!

I'm sorry to say your d-in-law is outrageous in telling you to turn the heating up, but what do you do? If you make an issue of it she may stop coming to see you, especially in wet weather. My daughter too says that the clothes I keep here are horribly old fashioned. I say, you're absolutely right but no-one will notice this weather, can you just make sure I get them back for next time.

Because you care about your grandchildren, how about getting some hooded waterproof jackets that will keep them dry on the way home and hide the 'unsuitable' clothing?

Answer 2

if they are left to sit in wet clothes constantly, then wouldn't be very healthy for them, but on the odd occasion no it won't hurt. Although having read through your question a couple of times, it seems like you would like nothing more than to prove her to be an irresponsible mother, You say they were caught in a shower, i would assume that the weather was different when they left home, and maybe she did not think they needed waterproofs. My son and I caught in a shower yesterday and as it was hot bright and not a cloud in the sky when we left home didn't feel the need to take coats. Most people would automatically turn the heating up, especially if its children who are wet, and not wait to be asked to. Stop criticising her, and consider the fact that continuing to be such a vindictive old bag, could jeopardise you seeing your grandchildren. She is their mother, not you. It wouldn't hurt you to be nice every now and then, and make a friend of your daughter in law. I'm quite honestly surprised she would even want to visit for a brief period of time, and commend her for not doing what many other daughter in laws would do, and avoid you like the plague, just to ensure that her sons maintain contact with you.

Answer 3

A cold is a virus and you have to catch it from someone who has it. Being chilled may make you more susceptible, but if there is no-one to give you an illness you won't get one.

Little research has been done about cold temperatures having any direct effect on arthritis or the progression of the disease, says Richard Konsens, MD, an orthopedic surgeon from Orlando, Florida. Cold weather can cause arthritis sufferers to feel increased stiffness and arthritis pain, however.

Do your children have arthritis now? Or do you have the cold virus now, for them to catch?

I seriously doubt that a mother would let drenched children sit in their clothes just to spite you - common sense leads me to believe they were damp, and a simple blanket or extra heat would have been sufficient. But I like you spin a story - very creative.

Answer 4

Yes, it is safe. No guarantee they will not catch a cold though... LOL! There is no reason why you need worry that this will lead to arthritis as the causes of such complaints are very different from being a bit damp after a British summer shower. If the lads were shivering and you turned up the heating I am sure they will be fine.

Answer 5

I can't imagine this is healthy at all. i think I am with your way of thinking. Maybe not the whole bath thing though, but definitely, if my daughter gets wet, I will dry her off and change her clothes. I got soaked to the skin today and had to change as soon as I got home. Not just for the fact that I could catch a chill, but because it is the most uncomfortable thing that I can think of! Why didn't she want her boys changed? Blimey, I'd have been asking you for a change of clothes before you had a chance to offer...even if they were the most mis-matched outfits in the world...I would put my daughter's health first!

Answer 6

It really depends how long they have been in them, you are just being an concerned grandparent and theres no fault in that. and you dont want to interfere with your with your daughters ways, you have to abide by them you cant question her at the end of the day they where only damp so theres nothing to worry about, if this is a one of i wouldnt run to services about crulety its not the case. you sound like a soft sole who cant say anything bad to anyone, if you are concerned put your foot down and tell her to put a warm blanket on them until their clothes are dry.look at it this way she is the parent sometimes it is wrong to interfere. if you do you could lose contact all together with your grandchildren.

Answer 7

To avoid having kids in wet clothes, coat clothes with superhydrophobic spray product called Always Dry

Answer 8

big problem you are the mother in law ........ all though it is difficult leave her to do what she finds best and find a gentle way of making suggestions like " the boys seems cold due to the reain would you like me to run them a bath, find them some dry clothes or make them a hot chocolate?"
Remember times have changed and so have houses/heating and general advice on children and health...
You should be glad that she comes around and your grandsons happy that you care - my son just over one have seen his granny once she couldnt care less well we arent rushing over to be told that everything we do is wrong and neither is her other set of grandchildren - so her loss...
but remember times have changed and all you can do is be a loving granny and enjoy them ..... Good luck

Answer 9

I dont think it would do the kids much harm but it certainly couldnt have been very comfortable for them - to be offered dry clothes and her refusing is quite cruel. It doesnt matter if they were girly pink -Im sure theboys would have put them on as no-one else was going tho see them. I would suggest you ask her or your son to bring over clothes that she approves off to keep at your house as spares just in case it happens again just to show that at least you are thinking of the children even if she was thinking more about getting one up on you.

Answer 10

Hi, I wouldnt sit around in wet clothes so I wouldnt expect my kids to. You were right to mention it to their mother but it is her decision whether you agree with it or not. You have to watch how you deal with issues with your daughter-in-law I have noticed a few questions from you on the matter of your grandchildren. She may think you are meddling and not think she looks after them to your standards. Maybe she doesnt like this and just refuses to take your advice. Which is silly on her part as her childrens wellbeing should come first. I wouldnt be surprised in any of the kids caught a cold this week. Handle issues carefully. I know it is only because you care. Good Luck! x