Time To Learn To Dress Yourself!
Learning to dress themselves is a fundamental step in children’s maturity, as it allows them to demonstrate their independence and autonomy. Between 3 and 5 years of age, most infants begin dressing and undressing on their own; meanwhile, at 5 or 6 years of age they are already capable of doing everything on their own.
Keep in mind that each child has their own learning pace, but it is not a task that they have to do alone. It is recommended that parents encourage it, especially when they notice that their child intends to start undressing.
The first few days you will need help, but then less and less. Practicing will allow you to master the skill, although you should avoid rushing it so that you do not get frustrated in case it does not work out. Every time you do well, it is good to be congratulated; this is one way to motivate him to keep learning.
No matter how long it takes to achieve this, when you finally get to dress yourself, you will gain autonomy and feel more confident and self-satisfied. This will help him to function better in school and in other activities.
Some children learn to dress without help by age two, while others do as early as four. In both cases, there is nothing to worry about, each child does it at their own pace.
We must bear in mind that it is much easier for all children to learn to undress than to dress, as well as it is less difficult for them to put on the lower garments than the upper ones.
How and when to teach the child to dress himself?
It is better to start this process as soon as possible. It is recommended to do this when the child is willing to dress himself. At two years is when you will start to try, since it is at this time when you want to be more independent.
Parents must be patient; it is very important that they do not pressure the little one to go faster. You need to start small and do it when you have time.
Also remember to praise him each time he makes a little progress. Congratulating him is a motivation for the child and an incentive to excel.
From the easiest to the hardest
Try starting with your socks and underwear and saving the tops last. When the child learns how to put on one garment correctly, move on to the next. Another suggestion is that you learn to dress in simple clothes and with easy snaps, so that it is not so complicated.
The best thing is to start with clothes that he can manage himself. It is important that you choose wide shoes that are easy to take off and put on. Also avoid laces, it is preferable to start with velcro. As for the upper part, make sure that the shirts have a flexible neck and large enough so that the child can put it on without difficulty.
On the other hand, choose loose pants with rubber and, little by little, move to pants with brackets. If you choose to wear a dress, make sure that it is easy to put on and take off, that it does not have buttons or closures at the back and that it is wide and elastic, so that the girl can lower it without difficulty.
Tips for teaching children to dress themselves
It is essential to establish a routine and the same schedule every day. In this way, children associate what they should do at each moment.
Once we have started teaching him to dress himself, he should continue like this. If he puts his socks on one day and his parents put them on the next, he will not learn that he is the one who has to do it.
You have to be patient, since at first the child may dress slowly. Therefore, the ideal is to calculate the time it takes so that parents do not end up doing it in a hurry.
It is best for adults to choose the clothes that the child will wear. However, it is advisable to let the little one choose a garment to motivate him and make him feel more independent.
Lastly, using songs and games is a good way for your child to learn to dress without help while having fun. It can also be taught by dressing in front of him; Being in an imitation stage, it will be easy for you to copy while the process is explained to you so that you can try to follow them.
Handling frustration as a child learns to dress himself
It is natural for the child to feel a bit of frustration, but it is an obstacle that he must learn to jump alone. Giving him small doses of autonomy is the only way to raise his frustration threshold.
If your child doesn’t ask for your help, don’t interrupt or intervene. When he says he can’t, try to encourage him to complete his homework without help.
Finally, remember that it is never too late for children to learn to dress themselves. They have an absorbing mind, they are always open to learn. As a mother, you only need one basic thing: trust your child.
