Getting Dressed: 4 Tips To Teach Your Children

getting-dressed

Learning to get dressed is one of the most integral parts of your child’s development as it promotes self-confidence, independence, and fine-motor skills. However, getting dressed and teaching your child to get dressed can sometimes feel like a battle you’re never quite prepared for.

But teaching your child to get dressed doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’ve put together the guide and share four easy tips on how to make your getting dressed routine fun and stress-free for both you and your little ones.

Why is your child getting dressed independently important?

Getting dressed is a complex skill that takes plenty of practice for young children. Encouraging them to dress themselves can have a positive impact on their development and independence. Allowing them to choose their own outfits and put them on independently fosters a sense of autonomy and self-confidence.

As well as learning and developing a range of important skills including coordination, balance, and perception, dressing helps improve your child’s fine-motor skills as they learn to fasten buttons and poppers, zip zippers, and tie shoelaces.

By letting your child take the lead in getting dressed, you are empowering them to make decisions and take on responsibilities, which are important skills that will benefit them as they grow.

Age milestones for getting dressed

getting-dressed

According to the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, there are a few milestones to aim for in clothing development:

  • 2 – 3 year olds – your child should be able to master the basics of dressing such as removing hats, gloves and socks for example. They should also be able to take off their unbuttoned coats and undo zips and poppers to the front of their clothing.
  • 3 – 4 year olds – at this age, most children should be able to put on their shoes (but not always on the right feet!) and be able to button and unbutton large front buttons, pull up zips, fasten front poppers, and unbuckle belts and shoes.
  • 4 – 5 year olds – it’s at this age most children have much more independence when getting dressed and should be able to dress and undress themselves. They should also be able to join and fasten front zippers, buckle shoes and belts, start to tie laces, and recognise the front and back of their clothes.

4 tips for teaching your child to get dressed

Learning to get dressed is a skill that requires a bit of practice so it’s best to make sure you and your child are in the best place to do so. For example, ensure your child is sitting in a stable position so they can focus on their fine-motor skills without worrying about balance. Your child could also practise getting dressed while standing and leaning against a wall while putting on their clothes and shoes.

Here are four other easy tips for teaching your child to get dressed.

Start with undressing first

Teaching your child to undress first is often easier to pick up and once your child can master this, they’ll be more confident when it comes to getting dressed. Practise with loose-fitting clothing that is easy to grip and be sure to talk to them and show them how to execute certain elements of clothing like buttons and zips.

Try reverse linking exercises

Reverse linking is a simple process whereby you start by doing all of the dressing for your child and then slowly leave more responsibility for them. For example, when taking off a jacket, you could start by removing everything except the last sleeve and you can ask your child to remove the sleeve themselves. Once they’re comfortable with this, you can move on to leaving more of the process for them to do.

By practising reverse linking exercises, your child can improve their independence skills and it reinforces a dressing routine. It’s important to be patient with these exercises as it can take time for your child to learn these skills.

Utilise busy boards and learning boards

getting-dressed

Using busy boards or learning boards as part of learning to get dressed are a great and interactive way for your child to practise their fine-motor skills. These boards are usually packed with clothing elements such as zips, buttons, buckles, poppers, and various types of materials that mimic what children might encounter on their own clothes.

Children often learn through self-teaching and it’s important to give them space to explore and learn on their own. Busy boards and learning boards are not only educational, but also encourage independence and confidence as your child masters the art of dressing themselves. There are lots of guides online to show you how to make them yourself or you can buy them ready-made online.

Use songs to teach your child

Using songs to teach your child how to get dressed can be a fun and effective way to make the learning process enjoyable. Children are often drawn to music, and incorporating catchy tunes into their routine can help them remember the steps involved in dressing themselves.

There are countless songs for learning how to tie shoes, work with buttons, or putting on socks online. A quick search on YouTube and you’ll no doubt find a catchy tune to reinforce the skill. You could even make up your own song and use it in your morning ritual while getting ready for the day.

Not only does this method help with memory retention, but it also adds an element of fun to the daily task of getting dressed, turning it into a bonding experience between you and your child.

Learn more about our day nursery

When it comes to your child getting dressed, it’s worth remembering that everyone develops these vital skills at their own speed. Try to find a balance of helping your little one out, but also give them time to figure it out on their own. There are plenty of great resources online to help you and your child work through learning to get dressed together.

Here at Stepping Stones, we love to help children learn and grow. Our day nursery encourages learning through play and our fully qualified team are committed to giving your little ones the best start in life. If you’d like to learn more about our day nursery, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today. Alternatively, you can book a visit and come and see our nursery for yourself.

Back to News