Helping You Dress Me
Here's What To Do
1
Dress or undress me slowly when you're not in a hurry. Give me opportunities for me to "help." For example, hold out the armhole of my shirt and wait until I stick my arm out.
2
Help me learn the names of body parts and clothes by talking about what you're doing.
3
Repeat daily if possible. Encourage me to participate a little more each time, like asking me to pull my shirt down or sticking my arms into sleeves.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Say, "Time to get dressed/undressed!" with a big smile.
E
Engage:
- "Time for socks. Give me your foot."
- "Help me put your shirt on. Great, you're putting your arm through the sleeve!"
E
Encourage:
- Praise all of my "helping" efforts, like: "Thank you for putting your legs up. That's such a big help to Daddy!"
- If I get wiggly during dressing, make it into a game. Play "peek-a-boo" when I reappear after having a shirt pulled over my head.
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to understand how I can help you dress me?
Not quite ready?
Keep giving me opportunities to "help" when I'm getting dressed. Over time, I'll learn what to do.
Ready for more?
Encourage me to remove a hat or shoes by myself.
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to anticipate what they need to do when getting dressed.