This was a question that I was asked recently
:
As all children are individuals, the age that they can dress themselves will vary and a child with special needs could take longer to master the art than other children.
On average, I would say that by around 3 years of age children should be able to attempt to dress themselves with some help.
Some parents prefer to get their children dressed as it is quicker than waiting for the child to dress themselves.
I do apricate that time can be short in the mornings for busy parents.
I suggest that you let you child attempt to dress themselves at the weekend when there maybe more time for this.
If a parent always dresses their child. he will never learn to do this himself.
Start by encouraging your child to put on a t-shirt as this can simply be pulled over the head with no buttons or zips to do up,
Be prepared for items to be put on back to front, if this happens calmly explain that the label goes at the back.
Once the t-shirt has been mastered move onto putting on their own night wear as this won’t matter if it is put on incorrectly ( as long as it is comfortable, of course).
As children progress onto more difficult items of clothes, praise them for trying and offer help with doing up tricky fastenings.
I used to put my children’s clothes out for the following day so that the items match, as children will happily put on odd socks and crazy colour combinations!
When I was working as a registered child minder, I looked after an 8 year old girl who loved to help me by putting on the younger children’s coats and shoes before we went out.
The little ones would happily sit on a stair while she put on and did up the shoes.
As always qwuestions, comments and topic suggestions are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
As soon as the child is willing to try. I believe independence needs to be encouraged as soon as possible.
This is so interesting. I remember my school said I was delayed with this skill based on how I did in the P.E. dressing room. I am multiply-disabled, so it makes sense. Then again, my parents never believed the school and never quite taught me properly. If I need to, I can dress myself fully independently now (except for tying shoelaces). #MischiefandMemories
As a stroke survivor with left side weakness I am unable to dress myself, Astrid, thanks for sharing your personnal expereience
Great tips and advice! Independence skills are super important and should be encouraged xx #MischiefandMemories
Being independent is so good for little ones, and we found it also helped to massively reduce upset around outfit choices. *As in, me picking the wrong coloured leggings 🙂 Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories x
Thanks for your comments, Annette
Our 2 year old granddaughter can dress herself but sometimes it’s not appropriate for the day/occasion. Usually because she doesn’t put enough clothing on for the weather. The combinations are very interesting. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
Yes, that’s typical when learning to dress yourself as a child, thanks for sharing with me
We have the problem at school that children no longer change for PE due to Covid so they have not had as much practice at dressing. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
That’s sad, isn’t it, Laura? Thanks for sharing this with me