Elli has finally discovered the joy of dressing herself. This comes as a relief because now I can hand her her pajamas and she can put them on herself while I change the baby. I remember this being a huge burden lifted off my shoulders when Sammi transitioned into dressing herself for bed, and then for the day.
I say burden because by the time we’re getting ready for bed, I’m exhausted! It takes so much focus (which I seem to lack at the end of the day) to get all the kids in their pajamas with their teeth brushed and their bladders empty and finally settled in bed. To have Elli dress herself is a huge step toward simplifying this process.
The downside to this new discovery is that it is just that, NEW. And every time I turn around, she’s changed her clothes, again. While I’m lamenting the extra laundry, I have to smile at the outfits she puts together.
Helping your little one learn to dress
- Be patient with the extra laundry!
- Provide clothes with give: elastic waistbands and shirts with loose sleeves and necks.
- Let them struggle a little with the clothing, but intervene before full-blown frustration.
- Sit back and let them be in charge. Sometimes I have to occupy myself with another task so she has the room to struggle with her clothes without me hovering over her.
- An older sibling’s clothes can be just right for learning to put on and take off clothes.
- Dress-ups are another great way to practice.
- Enjoy the crazy outfits that come your way!
