How do I help my 20 mo get dressed?

Question

She tries to put shirts on over her clothes and if she's not wearing shorts or pants she'll go get a pair and try to put them on. She wants to do it by herself but doesn't really get that her head doesn't go in the arm hole or whatever. Is there a way I can help her? I want her to learn to do it by herself if she's ready. Would dress-up clothes help?

Answer 1

just practice... you put her head in, and let her do the arms to start with.

hold pants the right way and let her put legs in and pull up.

let her do socks.

maybe a doll or teddy with clothes would be good to practice on.

Answer 2

If she wants to do it herself, then it sounds like she's ready to learn.  Get yourself dressed at the same time as her in the morning.  Show her step by step what you do and ask her to do the same with her clothes.  If she tries to put her head through the arm-hole, make it funny.  Show her that it's too small and say something like "I don't think your head will fit in there, do you?" and laugh with her.  That's what we do with our son.  Just turn it into a fun game.  It might also be a good idea to get her a doll (one that looks like her would be fun) and have her practice on the doll.  Good luck!!