Shorts In The Winter? It's A Trend Among Teenage Boys

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- It's freezing outside, with an average temperature of 19 degrees this January. But, as a parent, your school-aged kids never want to put on a hat -- let alone a coat.

Should you be concerned?

As the father of three boys, Beaumont hospital pediatrician Richard Weiermiller also struggles with getting his kids to bundle up.

"They are continuously going outside in shorts during cold weather, much to the chagrin of both their parents," Weiermiller said.

Weiermiller says one reason may be that boys feel more manly by ditching the winter gear and that they might not be at as great of a risk during cold weather as some other people.

"They may not need as much, partly because they are in good shape and are not going out for long periods of time -- they won't get as cold as an older person," Weiermiller said.

However, cold temperatures can put an unprotected person at risk for dehydration, frostbite and hypothermia. Weiermiller says parents should still encourage their kids to wear proper winter clothing, even though it might be a battle.