Picture this: it's a cold, snowy Chicago morning and you and your preschooler are rushing to get out the door. You grab their coat and start to help them put it on when you hear "I can do it!" Sound familiar? It can be frustrating to wait for them to complete the task, but helping a child become independent takes time and is crucial for their development.
You can use these Montessori method-inspired tips to help make the process less stressful! Montessori education is a child-led, hands-on approach developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian educator. It supports a child’s love of learning and encourages the development of practical life skills. Learn more about the Montessori method in Montessori for Every Family.
Try to incorporate some of these ideas into your daily routines:
- Start with undressing. It’s easier to take things off than it is to put things on, and this will give your child confidence!
- Only offer a few of each item, like a choice between two shirts. Too many choices can be overwhelming.
- Play dress up! Practicing getting dressed when you are not rushing out the door is easier.
- Ask your child to put away their clean clothes so they know where things go. Plus, toddlers love to help.
- Sing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" with hand motions to strengthen fingers to help with things like zipping, buttons and lacing.
Add some books about getting dressed into your daily routine, too!
Read together about getting dressed, brushing your teeth and other daily routines that will have your child shouting, I Did It Myself!
Experience getting New Shoes from a child's perspective in this book that celebrates getting to pick out your own clothes.
Getting dressed is extra difficult when Nothing Fits A Dinosaur!
In the relatable story Froggy Gets Dressed, Froggy wants to play in the snow but each time he goes outside his mother calls him back because he forgets an item of clothing.
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