by Chrissy Harrison

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: May 30, 2011

Dressing a toddler can create some frustration, and can end up being more of a difficult situation than an easy task. Toddlers can be very independent and determined to do everything by themselves. When your child becomes frustrated, and at this young become unable or not understand how to deal with his or her frustrations can usually lead to tantrum like behavior. His or her likes may change from day to day. Learning to work with your toddler can be easy if you try to assess each situation and figure out a solution to what may be causing your child's frustrations. Here are some tips and suggestions on trying to work with your toddler, and ensuring that the time you spend changing his or her clothes goes smoothly.

The benefit of choice

Toddlers like to feel like they are making their own choices, and enjoy independence. Simply by giving your child a choice can make them excited and important. It is important not to give more than two or three choices, this way he or she will not feel overwhelmed by the choice and will usually decide quickly. Decide the different choices before hand, ensuring they are suitable for the weather, and they are appropriate for the events of the day. This way you will feel comfortable no matter the choice, and your child will be happy as well. Different colours may also make a difference to how your child feels about the outfit, if your toddler knows his or her colours ask them if there is a specific colour they wish to wear, you can then pick an outfit of that colour, or limit your choices to outfits of that colour as well.

Optional approaches

When your child has chosen an outfit, and still appears to be frustrated with being dressed, allowing them to choose which order you will put his or her clothes on can sometimes ease their mood. This type of approach offers them a way to feel involved and develops helpful independence. Making a game out of it can also create a great learning experience, making it fun for you and your child. Allowing a toddler to first try and put their clothing on by themselves, assisting quickly when needed and offering suggestions is helpful as well. If your child is given the chance to first try to complete his or her own task, they are usually less reluctant to allow you to help. This may actually take up less time than just trying to do it all yourself with a child that is determined.

Use of words

No matter the situation with your toddler, it is always essential to use encouraging and productive words. Explaining to them that something is "too cold" or "too hot" for the weather will help them learn appropriate times for different articles of clothing. Telling your child that he or she choose a wonderful colour or outfit will hopefully prevent them from deciding at a later time, or form consistently making different decisions about what they chose to wear. A child is always looking for not just praise but a parents approval and acceptance in what they do. This will help your child build confidence in their decision making and assist in developing appropriate independence skills.

As with all things that you do with your toddler, keeping calm and patient will establish an effective environment for your child to also feel calm, assured, and more confident and in turn take less time to accomplish what in the beginning may have appeared to be just a simple task.

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