Getting dressed alone: ​​An important step towards children's autonomy

The act of getting dressed is more than just putting on clothes. It is a moment that involves the child in a process of discovery, autonomy and development of important life skills.

In this article, we explore the importance of encouraging children to dress themselves and how this can contribute to their growth and development.

Why autonomy when it comes to getting dressed

• Development of independence: By dressing themselves, children develop confidence in their own skills and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Self-esteem: Feeling capable of dressing oneself contributes to a child's self-esteem, as it makes them feel more competent and responsible.
• Motor coordination: Dressing and undressing clothes requires the use of different muscle groups and motor coordination, helping the child's physical development.
• Learning: By dressing themselves, children learn about their body, clothes, colors and textures, stimulating their cognitive development.

How to encourage autonomy when getting dressed

• Start early: Encourage your child to participate in the dressing process from an early age, even if they need help.
• Choose appropriate clothing: Opt for clothes that are easy to put on and take off , such as elasticated pants and sweaters with large buttons.
• Create an organized environment: Keep your child's closet organized and with clothes accessible so that they can choose their own clothes.
• Be patient: It is normal for your child to take longer to dress themselves at first. Be patient and offer help when needed.
• Celebrate achievements: Praise your child when he or she can dress himself or herself and show pride in his or her achievements.

The benefits of letting your child choose their own clothes

In addition to autonomy, allowing children to choose their own clothes brings other benefits, such as:

• Personal expression: Choosing clothes allows children to express their personality and creativity.
• Sense of style: By choosing their own clothes, children develop a sense of their own style and learn how to combine items.
• Self-confidence: Feeling good about what you are wearing increases a child's self-confidence.

Tips for dealing with resistance

It’s common for children to resist getting dressed, especially when they’re tired or distracted. Here are some tips to help you deal with this situation:

• Establish a routine: Set a fixed time to get dressed and stick to that routine as much as possible.
• Make it fun: Sing songs, tell stories or play games while your child gets dressed.
• Offer choices: Instead of giving a single command, offer two clothing options for the child to choose from.
• Be firm and kind: Be firm when establishing the rules, but keep a kind and positive tone.

Encouraging autonomy when it comes to dressing is a gift we give our children. By allowing them to discover and express their individuality, we contribute to the development of more confident, independent and confident adults.

Where to find a variety of clothing for children?

At Petit Fox Portugal's online store you will find a wide variety of new and pre-owned clothing in various styles and brands for children aged 0 to 8 years . Explore our online store together with your child and involve them in choosing their online clothes for an even more fun and dynamic dressing experience.