Getting your toddler dressed: Tips & Advice

Oh the struggle of getting my 3year old dressed in the morning! Every morning I envision my daughter leaving the house with a cute outfit styled by me... however every morning my daughter has a different set of expectations. Every morning she is adamant about getting herself dressed (and often times the outfit is very festive- and unmatched lol) I no longer fight her on when getting dressed and simply allow her to piece together an outfit that she wills confident in. Allowing her to express her creativity (by picking out her own outfit) has saved me from at least 25 minutes every morning from dealing with tantrums and tears. 

After a month of trying to figuring this out I have created a list of tips and advice to save you from the headache. 

1. Provide Choices

2. Allow for taste

If you are particular about what your child is wearing and or if they have not started to voice their opinions about their wardrobe using tantrums and tears a quick solution to the issue could be selecting 3 outfits for your little one to choose from. The simple act of them being able to choose from the three may be just enough to empower them to get dressed without a fight!

Stripes and polka dots with rain boots?
Most times when children are young mamas take the liberty of purchasing and putting together the outfits.  However, as children begin to grow they also become more vocal about what they want to wear.  As a parent we must step back from your ego sometimes and honor your child's desire to express their creativity and individuality.  Allowing them to engage in selecting their outfits will encourage self-confidence and empowerment. I have found in the process of my daughter selecting outfits a simple "that doesn't match- select something else" or " it’s too cold/hot for that pick something else" we usually leaves both of us satisfied!
 

3. Take time for Practice

4. It doesn't feel right!

Getting dressed use to require full blown assistance from me. But daily practice with becoming more self-sufficient has allowed for my daughter to get almost 80% dressed by herself. It takes practice to identify the front and back of a shirt, or putting pants on one leg at a time. But after a few weeks of not doing it for her and simply assisting when she is stuck has empowered her to want to do alone more and more. Rewarding her small achievements only makes her want to keep going! 

Often times you get your little one all the way dressed just for them to turn around and scream because something doesn't feel right. The tag is scratching, the pants are riding up... whatever it is it can surely cause you to lose your mind if you're pressed for time and ready to get out the door. 
This issue could really be due to tactical sensitivities.  Some tips include taking your little one with you to shop so they can try on clothing and shift out the ones that make them uncomfortable. Trust that your child knows what they want to wear and support them.

**Bonus- The Winter Coat Strugle**

The house is warm, so it's no wonder putting on that big, hot, bulky coat is a fight. Here is a tip to eliminate the winter coat struggle .

1. Don't force the issue with them! Let them go outside without their coat on, carry the coat outside with you - when they get cold enough they will surely be running to you to put it on. (That'll teach ‘em- lol)

The next time you get ready to leave and you suggest putting on their coat they won’t be so quick to fight you on it!  

Lets talk... what are some ways you support your toddler in dressing themselves?