Let’s be honest, getting dresses for your kids is rarely fun. Most of the time, it is actually a stressful affair that leads to someone yelling. Gold crying. Or both. It’s especially stressful when you’re short on time and trying to get out the door quickly. My two daughters decide to throw tantrums over their outfits at the most inopportune times. Just as we get in the car, my oldest daughter starts complaining that the sleeves are bothering her or that her pants are too long. My youngest son, on the other hand, thinks it’s the funniest thing in the world for Mom to chase her around the house while she gets dressed. That is why I was inspired to write this article. In the following paragraphs, I’ll provide mom-tested solutions that have helped me make dressing my kids easier and sometimes even fun!
1. Offer options
Children often feel dominated by their parents or by adults in general. This is also true when it comes to dressing them. An easy way to make your kids feel like they are in control while still doing things “their way” is to offer them choices. Does your little princess want to wear a pink dress or a purple dress? In the mood for a skirt ensemble or a short ensemble? Pre-select 2-3 outfits in advance and let your kids choose the one they like best.
2. Find compromised
Take a few minutes at night or in the morning, weather permitting, to discuss an outfit with your child. Let her look in your closet while she gives you feedback and see if you can agree on something. The key is to be friendly and provide guidance. Try not to be overly authoritative. If he wants to wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and it’s 60 degrees, say, “Honey, you’ll be cold, it’s cold today.” If he still insists, they offer to put on a pair of jeans and grab a cadri “just in case.”
3. make it fun for both of you
Sometimes, for the little ones, dressing up isn’t fun enough. I already mentioned that my youngest daughter finds it more fun to run away from me than to put on her clothes. What I do when she’s in a bad mood is play with her. As I put on my leggings or pants, I say “I’m going to eat my foot!” and he pretends that the sock “eats his foot” while I put it on his little toes. I sang songs and played pickaboo games with my two girls while dressing them up.
4. Let them dress themselves
Sometimes the north is worth it. If you are late or already having a difficult morning, let the children dress themselves. Who knows, you might be surprised!
Dressing your kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By following one or all of the tips above, you can make it an educational, bonding, and fun experience for everyone involved.