Children and clothing: three steps to dress themselves

Children must learn to dress themselves, a very important aspect to gain autonomy, feel more independent and strengthen their self-esteem

Depending on the ability of each and their level of maturity, between two and six years, children should learn to dress themselves. It is the next "big step" after leave the diaper. In addition to being a time saver for parents, the acquisition of this skill represents an important advance in autonomy, which helps bolster confidence in their own abilities and feel more independent. To facilitate this task, among other things, parents should respect each child's individual pace, teach them in a fun and entertaining and help only when needed.

1. Allow children to develop their autonomy

• Step by step: can not expect a child to learn at the same time to put all the clothes because some need a certain ability or skill to put them. It is better to structure the task at different stages, depending on their level of difficulty. During the first few weeks, you can leave that you only underwear and socks, gradually introduce new elements.
• No end for him: delay before the children to wear, it is common for parents to be who end up placing most small clothes. Thus, children lose the motivation to perform the task of dressing themselves and take long to learn to put some clothes well.
• Give them time: at first, and even that strengthen their skills, it is normal to be slower. Hurry to get his or berate his delay in these cases will only serve to put them nervous and frustrated with. At the beginning of learning, it is best to choose times when you have no hurry (and weekends) and, later, if necessary, restructure and raise the child hours earlier so that time is not a discordant element.
• Provide assistance when requested: is important not show overprotective attitudes, or help immediately perceived as a small difficulty placed a garment. It is advisable to let them try and help themselves only if they request it. At that time, it is advisable to explain step by step how to do it, and even let them do it later, so that the next time will not have much difficulty.
• Do not break the rule: Once the child has learned to dress himself, we must respect their autonomy provided by all adults. That is, it does not leave you with one parent is seen by himself and, in parallel, the other will offer to help. Neither should clothe when time is scarce.

2. Simple and neat clothing to make it easier

• For younger children, it is preferable to start let alone to dress in clothes that do not have closures (elastic waist pants, dresses without buttons, sweatshirts, etc..).
• When you gain more skill, it's time to try simple fasteners (Velcro or snaps) and book by the end closures "harder" as buttons, laces or zippers.
• Give them clues on each garment to avoid making mistakes. Should indicate that the tag must be behind the clothes in the back, while the drawing of a shirt or a shirt pocket have to see ahead and seams should be always inside.
• Prepare the clothes in the order they should be placed: underwear, shirt and pants (or skirt or dress) and finally, sweaters and coats. Thus, the child will avoid improperly superimposed garments and needed to start over.
• Dressing in front of the television or in a room with many distractions can slow enough to small. Parents should ensure that the child is dressed in a quiet environment, without elements that prevent you from concentrating on the task.

3. Tricks and fun tips for children to dress themselves

• Painting a letter in the templates of shoes or half of a drawing in each of them, so that when put together properly instructed what goes on each foot.
• Organize competitions with the brothers to see who gets put each piece in less time.
• Inventing songs with clothing, which may give clues about the best way to position each.
• One of the best ways to train is to plan an evening of costume play they have to be themselves.
• Dressing up dolls or put clothes help a younger brother will help them learn and build self-esteem.
• The puzzles and games strung lace and small parts favor the development of motor skills necessary to handle more precise elements of dress.