Teaching kids to dress themselves

Generally, mornings can be a time that is very untidy and rushed especially during school time. Most times, it is much easier to simply dress your preschooler, rather than allowing them the extra time to dress themselves. However, by learning to dress and undress them, they are not only learning independence, they are also working on improving their logical thinking and motor skills.

Teaching your preschooler to dress himself can be extremely frustrating. However, it doesn’t have to be. Children between the ages of four and five years old can quickly learn how to dress themselves without too much frustration. There are some simple steps that should be followed so that your preschooler can effectively learn to dress themselves.

If you are at the point where you want to allow your child to learn to dress himself, you may want to allow for extra time. Therefore, if your mornings are generally a hectic time, consider getting up a bit earlier which will give both you and your preschooler that extra time needed, to allow him to dress himself, without the feeling of being rushed. It is important that you are there to assist your little one with getting dressed, without taking over and doing it for him.

Chizoba Elendu, a mother with three kids and also a school proprietress says when your little one is learning to dress himself, it is important that you keep in mind that it does not matter what order he does it in, if he wants to put his pants on before he puts his socks on, that is just ok. In order for your child to master the skills involved in dressing himself, he will need the encouragement and opportunity to practice by himself. The more you allow him to dress himself and practice this skill, the better he would become.

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Taiwo Adeleye, a pediatrician says whether your little one is passionate to take charge or simply uninterested, there are a variety of things you can do to make things simpler. You could start by purchasing simple clothing, clothes such as overalls and pants with snaps, zippers and buttons can be set aside for special occasions. Pants with elastic waistbands and loose T-shirts are the best way to go in the beginning. If you have a daughter, consider purchasing slip on dresses with larger armholes or skirts with elastic waistbands. When purchasing socks, consider purchasing ones with fitted heels, this way, your child would not have to try and figure out which way the sock goes on.

When your child is first learning to dress by themselves, consider purchasing clothes that are a size bigger. This is especially true if your little one is between sizes. You may want to let your little one practice with your socks, in order to get the hang of it. The larger the clothes, the easier it is for kids to get them on and off without assistance.

For instance sometimes, in order to lessen the stress of dressing routine, I allow my little ones pick out what they want to wear. Generally, preschoolers begin developing their own taste and personality and therefore will enjoy picking out their own clothes. Although your preschooler may come up with some extremely crazy combinations, he will quickly learn to associate the fun of picking out his own clothes with the pure satisfaction of putting them on.

One way of helping your preschooler pick out his clothes, without it getting out of hand is to lay out two coordinating outfits. This way, he can mix and match between the different pieces, yet still feel like he made the final decision in what he chose to wear. Young children are often drawn to brightly colored clothes. This is generally acceptable, as long as the colors coordinate with one other.

Therefore, pick outfits out that are easily interchangeable so that your preschooler will have an easier time attempting to match their clothes, while still displaying their own fashion sense.

One of the most important things you need to remember when teaching your kid to dress himself and tie his own shoes is patience. Your little one will get the hang of this in his own time. Do not push him into doing it your time. Before you know it, your child will be dressing himself without any assistance.

ANNE AGBAJE