Allowing Children To Decide What Type of Clothes To Wear

Rachel Fournier, a Michigan mom, told Parents that she found herself doing a daily battle when looking after her three-year-old daughter. The mother said that Isabel, her daughter, was only interested in sparkly clothes.

Fournier said that the last time she chose an outfit for Isabel, she cried all the way to daycare. As soon as she picked her up in the afternoon, Isabel stripped in the car and refused to put her clothes back on. The mother ended up buckling her that way.

Dr. Alanna Levine, a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that if your child starts to become vocal about her clothing choices, it's a sign that your child is growing up. Preschoolers are at the stage where they attempt to assert their independence and test limits. Thus, allowing children to get dressed provides children an opportunity to place both things into practice, but this doesn't mean that every morning has to be a showdown.

Giving kids clothing choices: What do you want to wear?

Many children ages 3 to 4 are "wannabe" directors and are all grasping control wherever possible. Thus, experts suggest parents allow their children to have these chances. Jim Fay, coauthor of "Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting From Birth to Six Years," said to provide your child little choices about things that don't matter to you. If a child wants to wear clothes that you think are inappropriate for events or occasions, give them two choices so they can still choose what they want.

For example, ask, "Would you rather wear your blue sweater or your red one?"

Adults have clothes they are not comfortable with, and children are no different. Dr. Ari Brown, author of "Toddler 411," recommends that parents ask their children what their own likes and dislikes are and try to be as flexible as possible regarding kids' preferences. Giving kids a chance to state what they like or dislike shows that you respect their preferences. If your child wants to get dressed every day, allow them then, especially if they're just in the house. It will enable them to practice and apply their clothing choices.

According to A Little Bit Social, children are excellent observers, which only means that they are constantly developing a greater sense of independence.

Turning time for dressing into a game

Children can manage the basics of getting dressed by three, including pulling underwear, elastic-waist pants, and a sweatshirt. Usually, children below five can still not be able to thread zippers or do buttons; thus, it must not be forced on them. Many kids prefer doing these things as it makes them feel confident and competent. If your kid wants to do certain things, allow them, even if it will take a lot of your time. Dr. Levine said parents must allow kids to get dressed, especially on weekends or days when there's no need to rush. "The more you can give her the power to dress, the less of a struggle it will be," he added.

On the other hand, preschoolers don't feel the same urgency to get out the door as adults usually do in the morning as they would always prefer playing. Thus, experts suggest turning dressing into a game. You can say, "I'll close my eyes and see how long it takes you to put on your shirt and pants." Adults can usually do many things to make their children do what they want them to do.

Creative Child encourages parents to make their children a part of choosing their clothing. Planning a fun shopping trip can make kids have an unforgettable event with their parents and allow them to choose whatever they want to wear.