Slow Dressers
In many ways parents can help to prevent problems when children dress themselves.
- Develop a morning routine and stick to it. Parents should set an example by sticking to a schedule themselves and occasionally looking in on their children to offer praise for dressing in the allotted time and reminders to get back on task if their attention has strayed. Remember that it takes children longer to dress than adults. Some parents will dress with their child as an example of how to dress correctly in a timely manner.
- It is important to praise children for completing self-care tasks in an appropriate amount of time.
- Allowing your children adequate time and helping them by laying out clothes the night before can be important.
- Providing children with easy to put on clothing and limited wardrobe choices can prevent obstacles to getting dressed.
- Do not allow the child to leave his bedroom until dressing is completed.
- Play a game of beat the clock-challenge children to race the clock when dressing. If successful, the child can earn a prize.
- Dressing must be completed prior to breakfast.
- If the child continues to be late, have the child accept the natural consequences (eg. consequences given by the school).
- Consistency is very important. Do not give in, argue, or ignore disciplinary actions. Eventually, the child will learn dressing is his responsibility.