- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Red Shirt and Purple Pants?
Fuss-free Toddler Dressing Strategies By Melinda Copp
Give Where You Can, Stick to Your Guns When You Can'tToddlers aren't known for being reasonable and compliant. And their little attitudes shine through anytime they feel like they are being forced to do something they don't want to do. Control is a big issue with toddlers because they haven't perfected their communication skills and they often feel like they are being misunderstood. Parenting becomes especially difficult during times like these. And when it comes to getting dressed, parents sometimes have to let go of their egos about what their child is wearing.
When Amy Robertson's 3-year-old son, Matteo, refused to dress himself one day, she sent him to preschool in his pajamas. "After that he always got dressed, even if slowly," says Robertson, who lives in Quito, Ecuador.
"Sometimes they make choices that don't make you happy," Smestad says. "Give where you can to make your life easier so you don't have to fight that battle."
At the same time, you may need to take charge of your child's situation by deciding what she is going to wear, or even dressing her yourself. And Smestad cautions on allowing the situation to escalate too far. "Don't let it get to the point where you're angry," she says. "Sometimes you just have to get them down and get it done, but take charge before you lose your patience."
Watching your toddler grow independent and learn to dress herself is as rewarding as it is challenging. When you use these strategies for guiding your child through getting dressed, you can help her learn this important skill without losing your patience.