Dressing Myself
Here's What To Do
Help me be as independent as possible in dressing. Choose clothing that is easier for me to put on (like pants with elastic waistbands and tops I can pull over my head). I'll still probably need help with fastenings like buttons and zippers.
Help me understand the front/back and inside/outside of clothing by pointing out the label. Or, use a permanent marker to make an "X" mark on the inside back.
Let me help choose what to wear. You can give me a few choices, or give me some guidance to help me choose.
Place clothing shelves or hooks at my height so I can reach clothing easily. Place a hamper close to where I undress.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Together with me, stretch up to the sky and take a deep breath. Exhale and touch your toes.
Engage:
- "Can you find the label on this shirt? There it is! So that's how we know which side is the back. The label is always in the back."
- "It's a hot day today, so you need to pick a short sleeve shirt and shorts."
Encourage:
- Give me plenty of time so I don't feel rushed. The best way for me to learn how to get dressed is trial and error.
- It may help for you to lay out clothes on the floor first. Try laying shirts with the back facing up, with the neck hole pointing away from me. That way, I can put my arms through first and flip it over my head. Try laying pants with the front facing up, and the waist towards me, so I can sit on the floor and put my feet in first.
Reflect:
- When I'm all dressed, look in the mirror with me and enjoy my hard work!
Not quite ready?
Help me practice smaller parts of getting dressed, like putting on and taking off shoes or pulling pants down and up.
Ready for more?
Let me get dressed with less and less help from you.
As your child masters this skill...
They will understand how to put on most clothing items, but will still need some help from you.