How to Easily Dress a Toddler

Dressing a toddler is much different from dressing a baby, it can involve a chase, a tantrum and many other undesirable activities in between. If parents set the mood properly for toddler dressing it can be a fairly smooth operation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Have everything ready. When it is time to get your child dressed you should have everything you need within reach. Clothes, underwear, socks, shoes and even a hairbrush and toothbrush should be in one place.

2. Take your time. Many toddlers simply do not like to get in a hurry, if having an extra 15 minutes to get dressed in the morning will make your toddler more agreeable, by all means get up a bit earlier to save your sanity.

3. Make getting dressed a fun activity. By playing silly games, such as "Where's your head" or something equally ridiculous, your child may begin to see dressing as a fun activity instead of something to run away from.

4. Let your child participate. Perhaps your child hates to get dressed because he doesn't like the clothing your have chosen for him. Most toddlers will balk at clothing that is scratchy, tight, stiff or otherwise undesirable. Let your child choose items (within reason) that are comfortable and relaxed.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't have a bad attitude when it comes to dressing your toddler. Children take cues from their parents. If you are having a terrible time dressing him, he will in turn have a terrible time getting dressed.

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/6/2008 Having had a toddler, I had to chuckle at your title a bit. It is packed with very truthful, helpful and honest information. Thank you!