Often getting our kids dressed and out the door can be a mission indeed. What seems like a fairly straightforward task can often be a source of frustration for both parent and child. As one of my friends describes it, “dressing my son is like wresting a wild beast with a mind of its own”.

Here are some ideas to help you on your journey!

Make dressing fun:

A friend of mine gives their child a parade of options to try out, and this often results in a smoother process as there is less of a power struggle and refusal. Giving your child a choice in what they wear also helps build confidence and allows them to express their unique personalities to the world. 

Another tip to keep it fun, is to turn dressing into a race and see how fast they can do it. I often do this with my son as he loves a challenge!

Our children look up to us. Why not let your child match with you! It could be something as simple as a cap, to keep the mood upbeat. Or they might like to match their siblings to get the whole clan involved!

Let them learn to dress themselves:

Consider the type of clothing:

Good choices: 

 - Shorts and trousers with elastic waists that they can pull up without having to undo a zipper and /or button.

 - T-shirts with large openings for their head (or a press stud on the shoulder to open it wider). 

 - Shoes with velcro openings or buckles - easier than laces - or slip-on shoes. 

 Avoid: 

 - Long dresses, which can be difficult for toddlers to manage and restrict their movement. 

 - Overalls, which are difficult for the child to put on independently.  

 - Skinny jeans or other tight and restrictive clothing.

Choose the right fabrics:

Shop rad clothes for play all day:

Resources:

https://milestonetherapy.com/dressing-skills/ 

 https://sunshinewhispers.com/kids-dressed-fast-every-morning/ https://toddlerapproved.com/2015/04/5-tips-for-dressing-kids-comfortably.html https://theotbutterfly.com/clothing-sensitivity-in-children/sensory-processing/