Helping your child learn to dress themselves can feel like a daily challenge—but it’s also a huge step toward building independence. Whether you’re navigating tight shirt sleeves or backward socks, the key is creating calm, confidence-building moments that let kids take the lead (with a little support from you!).
Here are eight practical tips to make dressing less stressful and more successful:
1. Practice When You’re Not in a Rush
Skip the busy school mornings! Choose quiet times—like weekend afternoons or before bedtime—for low-pressure practice sessions. Kids learn better when there’s no rush.
2. Start with Undressing
Taking clothes off is typically easier than putting them on. Mastering undressing first builds confidence and sets the stage for success.
3. Use Loose or One-Size-Up Clothing
Look for soft, stretchy clothes with larger openings. These are much easier for little hands to handle, especially when fine motor skills are still developing.
4. Try Backward Chaining
You begin the process, and your child finishes. For example, you help pull up their pants, and they button them. Gradually shift more responsibility to your child as their skills grow.
5. Use Dolls or Stuffed Animals
Turn practice into play! Dressing a favorite toy is a fun, low-stakes way to build fine motor skills and teach sequencing.
6. Allow Processing Time
Give clear, short instructions and pause. Kids need time to process and plan their actions—resist the urge to jump in right away.
7. Break It Down Step by Step
Instead of saying “get dressed,” break it into simple steps: “Take off your pajama top… now put on your shirt.” One instruction at a time works wonders.
8. Celebrate Every Effort
Progress matters more than perfection! Cheer them on with phrases like, “Great job putting on your socks!” Encouragement keeps motivation high and helps them feel proud of their efforts.
Little victories lead to big independence! With patience, praise, and the right tools, your child will build the confidence and skills they need to dress themselves—and you’ll gain a few extra minutes back in your morning routine.
📩 Need support from pediatric therapy professionals? Contact us at admin@leapsandboundsil.com or visit www.leapsandboundsil.com to learn more.
Article written by Maddy Stankevich, OTR/L. Maddy is an Occupational Therapist at Leaps and Bounds Therapy. Please Contact Us today to learn more about Leaps and Bounds Providers and services and to schedule an in-home appointment. We have immediate OT openings in Antioch, Gurnee, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lindenhurst and surrounding areas.