Post by Samana:
Getting your kids dressed each day can present some morning challenges. We want our kids dressed warmly and appropriately each day. They want to wear what looks good to them or feels best. This may not agree with our top priorities for them. As well, they might be sensitive and picky with what they wear or too energetic to stay still long enough to get dressed.
As mentioned for meals and sleep time, you can work with your child’s temperament to take the struggle out of dressing each day. You know your child better than anyone. You know if they are sensitive about seams in their socks or tags in their clothes. You know if they are easily distracted by birds out the window or programs on the television. You can set the scene for the success each morning.
Start with minimizing distractions. Turn the TV off. Keep them off video games. Organize their wardrobe leaving only their favorites and clothes in season. If you are ambitious, make a “dress up” drawer, a “school” drawer and a “play” drawer.
Consider putting a large indoor/outdoor thermometer in their room and glue pictures on it: shorts at 80 degrees, sweatshirts at 60 degrees and winter jackets at 30 degrees. They can’t argue with a thermometer as they can with you.
To keep your child focused, have a large mirror so he can watch his progress and learn to dress independently.
If your child likes to dress herself, but gets frustrated easily talk to her about it and teach her to break her dressing into small steps she can accomplish.
Go shopping with your child. Buy clothes that are easy to get on, feel good and match other pieces in his drawer. Find clothes that you both can agree upon. For successful shopping: listen to your child, expect to make a few trips, take a break so you can both get a snack, know when to quit if you or your child are frustrated, and buy it if you find it. Shopping together respects the feelings of both you and your child. Wait to cut off tags until your child tries the clothes on at home and gives his final approval.
Be patient with your child. If she is sensitive, she really can feel lint or bumps in her clothing. Select natural fabrics like cotton which feels better than synthetics. If she is slow to adapt, plan extra time each morning for her to dress.
Remember, with repetition everything gets easier. Dressing will get better over time.
* Just wanted to let my readers know, I am giving a free workshop for parents this weekend called Family Energy Dynamics. It will teach you positive ways to work with your family's energy to have more harmony in your home. I would love to see you. Click here for details: Family Energy Dynamics
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