Loading Kindness - Spinning Up Mommy Magic

While the Love Loads, Our Spinner Spins. Get Ready to Share, Support, and Bond with Like-minded Moms!

Popular Searches:
450
Q:

How do I handle my toddler's resistance to wearing certain clothing or getting dressed?

I have a 2-year-old daughter who throws tantrums every time I try to make her wear certain clothes or get dressed altogether. This pattern of resistance has been going on for a few weeks now and is starting to frustrate me. I have tried to reason with her and make it a game, but nothing seems to work. How do I handle this situation and get her to cooperate during dressing time?

All Replies

howe.isadore

Good day! I can relate to feeling frustrated while trying to dress a toddler. My son went through a phase where he refused to wear anything except his favorite superhero t-shirt. Over time, I have learned the following:

1. Make dressing time a habit: Have a fixed routine for dressing, like brushing teeth or eating breakfast, and try to stick to it. This creates a sense of predictability for kids and makes them feel more in control.

2. Respect their opinion: Toddlers like to assert their independence, and getting dressed can be one way to do that. So try to respect their opinions by offering choices or giving them control.

3. Let them feel the fabrics: Kids are curious by nature, so let them touch and feel different clothes. This can help them develop preferences and get them excited about dressing up.

4. Choose comfortable clothing: Toddlers tend to be more comfortable in loose clothes or clothes that don't restrict their movement. Choose comfortable clothes that they can easily manage themselves.

Lastly, don't forget to give hugs and praise them for cooperating. It can make the whole process more enjoyable for both of you!

rparisian

Hi there! I understand the struggle of getting a toddler dressed. My daughter would throw tantrums and refuse to wear anything except a particular dress. Here are some things that have worked for me:

1. Let them dress themselves: Toddlers love to show their independence, so let them choose their clothes and dress themselves. You can help them out with zippers, buttons, etc.

2. Talk to them: Explain why they need to get dressed and why some clothes are more appropriate for certain occasions. Sometimes this can help toddlers understand and cooperate better.

3. Distraction techniques: Distract them with a toy, a book, or maybe even a funny dance. This can help get their minds off the clothes and make the process more fun for them.

4. Keep it simple: When it comes to toddlers' clothing, less is more. Try to avoid complicated clothes with lots of buttons, zippers or ties, as this can make it more challenging and frustrating for them.

Remember, every child is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your toddler. Stay patient and keep a positive attitude.

bbartoletti

Hello, I can also relate to the situation of trying to get a toddler dressed. When my son was a toddler, he would put on his clothes but never wanted to go out with them on. Here are some tips that I've found useful:

1. Give them a reason: If you're struggling to convince your child to get dressed, give them a reason to. Say something like, "We need to get dressed to go outside and play today."

2. Use a routine: Establish a routine for getting dressed, like brushing teeth or eating breakfast, and try to stick to it. This helps create a sense of predictability for kids.

3. Make it a game: Kids love to play, so try to make getting dressed a game. You can challenge them to see how fast they can get dressed or turn it into a dress-up activity.

4. Understand their preferences: Toddlers have strong preferences, and it can help to understand what they like or dislike. If your child doesn't like a certain type of clothing, try to avoid it.

Remember to be patient and understanding, as toddlers are still learning how to communicate and express themselves. With time and practice, they will become more cooperative during dressing time.

barney80

Hello, I can relate to this situation as a parent. My son used to resist getting dressed when we were in a hurry, making it difficult to leave the house on time. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

1. Give them time: Toddlers need more time to process and adjust, so give them sufficient time to get dressed. Mornings can be rushed, so try to start the process a little earlier.

2. Involve them in the process: Let your toddler pick out outfits or specific items of clothing, like socks or a hat. This can create a sense of control and responsibility for them.

3. Use humor: Making dressing time into a game or a fun activity that they look forward to can change their perspective. You could try singing songs, doing silly dances together and telling jokes.

4. Praise and reward: Children respond to positive reinforcement, so praise them for being cooperative or for doing a great job at getting dressed. Small rewards like a sticker or a favorite snack can also help motivate them.

Remember, be patient and keep a calm attitude towards your toddler. Eventually, they will get used to the routine, and dressing up will become less of a challenge. Good luck!

konopelski.alyson

As a mother, I have also experienced getting my toddler to cooperate during dressing time. My daughter would resist and scream for no apparent reason. Here is what I have found helpful:

1. Make it a part of the routine: Kids thrive on routines, and it can help to make dressing time a part of their daily routine, who knows; it might also reduce tantrums.

2. Show them how it's done: Toddlers learn by imitation, so show them how to put clothes on or button a shirt. This can make them feel more involved and make the process easier for them.

3. Be prepared for changes in preferences: Toddlers have changing preferences, and what they liked yesterday might not appeal to them today, so be open to changing up their outfits to suit their preferences.

4. Give them choices but within limits: Giving toddlers choices, such as picking out which shirt to wear or which shoes to put on, can be helpful in giving them control, but make sure the choices are limited or specific.

Remember, toddlers are trying to establish their independence, so be patient, keep calm, and encouraging. Over time, they will become more cooperative during dressing time.

martina.white

Hello, I have also had a similar experience as a parent where my toddler would constantly resist getting dressed, especially in the mornings. I found the following tips helpful:

1. Prepare ahead. Plan out your child's outfit the night before and get it ready. This will save you time and help avoid any struggles in the morning.

2. Doling out responsibilities. Toddlers love to help out. So, give them small responsibilities like holding the hanger or picking out their socks. This way they will feel involved and more cooperative.

3. Try dressing up toys first: Kids love to imitate, so encourage them to play dress-up with their dolls or stuffed animals first. This can help them become comfortable with the idea of dressing up and create a fun environment.

4. Incorporate fun elements. Play games like Simon says, where they have to put on their pants, shoes or any other item of clothing that they are resisting. It is a fun way to get them to participate.

Remember, toddlers are still learning and adapting to the world around them. Stay patient, calm and try to make the getting dressed process a positive experience for them.

stamm.shea

Hi there, I totally understand your frustration. My daughter went through a phase of refusing to wear anything with buttons or zippers, and it was a challenge to get her ready in the morning. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Give her choices. Sometimes, having a say in what they wear can make a toddler more willing to cooperate. Offer her a choice between two outfits or let her pick out her own clothes.

2. Make it playful. Toddlers love to play, so try to turn dressing time into a game. You could play dress-up or pretend your child is a superhero or princess.

3. Try a distraction. If your child is really resistant, try distracting them with something they love. For example, my daughter loved watching her favorite cartoon while I dressed her.

4. Be patient. Remember that children go through phases, and this one will likely pass. Keep calm and try to make it a positive experience for both of you.

Good luck and stay patient!

wmetz

Hi, I can relate to the struggles of getting my toddler dressed. My daughter went through a phase where she refused to wear anything that wasn't pink. I felt frustrated and helpless, but I learned a few things:

1. Acknowledge their feelings. Toddlers are just learning how to express themselves, and something as simple as wearing the wrong color can feel like a big deal to them. Let them know that you understand how they feel and try to find a solution together.

2. Try a compromise. If your toddler wants to wear something that isn't appropriate for the occasion, like a tutu to a wedding, offer a compromise. For example, offer to bring the tutu with you and let them wear it after the ceremony.

3. Be firm, but gentle. Toddlers respond better to kind, firm direction rather than yelling or punishment. Calmly let your child know that it's time to get dressed and stick to your routine.

4. Stay positive. Try to make getting dressed a positive experience by praising your child when they cooperate or offering a small treat when they're finished.

Remember, this is just a phase and it will pass. Stay patient and keep a sense of humor!

New to Kind Mommy Community?

Join the community