Teaching kids to get dressed on their own
Getting dressed on their own is easier for a young child when it's broken into steps in the same order each time: choose clothes, take off pyjamas, put on clothes, put on socks and put on shoes. Each step is small enough to finish without help, and the list shows them what comes next.
This routine is for younger children who are still learning. Once they've got it, getting dressed becomes the first step of a bigger morning routine.
What are the steps to getting dressed?
Get Dressed
- Choose ClothesFrom two or three options you've picked, so the choice is theirs but quick.
- Take Off Pyjamas
- Put On Clothes
- Put On Socks
- Put On ShoesLast, as shoes go on over socks.
This is the Get Dressed routine that comes with Little Streaks. You can change or remove any step.
How do you help a child dress themselves?
- Lay out the choices the night before. Two or three outfits is enough. It saves time in the morning and avoids a long debate.
- Choose easy clothes while they're learning. Elastic waists, big buttons and shoes with Velcro are easier than zips and laces.
- Give them time. Doing it themselves is slower at first. Start the routine a little earlier rather than stepping in.
- Help with one step, not the whole thing. If socks are the tricky part, help with socks and let them tick off the rest.
What comes after getting dressed?
For children who aren't at school yet, Little Streaks also has Wake Up (Make The Bed, Open The Curtains, Wash Face, Get Dressed) and Breakfast (Get a Bowl, Pour Cereal, Eat Breakfast, Bowl In Sink). For school-age kids, Get Dressed is the first task in the Before School routine.
How do I teach my child to get dressed by themselves?
Break it into the same steps every time: choose clothes, take off pyjamas, put on clothes, socks, then shoes. Lay out two or three outfits the night before, and choose clothes that are easy to put on while they're learning.
What if my child needs help with one step?
Help with that step only, and let them do and tick off the rest. Socks and shoes are often the tricky part.
Is there a printable getting dressed chart?
Yes. There's a free weekly chart (PDF) for Get Dressed, with a box to tick for every task and a star to colour in for each day. Or use Print the checklist for a simple list.
How does it work in Little Streaks?
Every task has an icon, so the routine works for children who can't read yet. They hold a task to tick it off and get a celebration, and finishing the routine earns a star towards a reward you choose.
Little Streaks is a routines and rewards app for kids, for iPhone and iPad. Free to start, with up to two routines.
