| The dressing up box is an ideal, fun way to teach | | | | how to manipulate the laces. |
| pre-schoolers to dress themselves. Acquiring this skill | | | | Dressing up is also useful to teach children which |
| can be an area of conflict but by turning lessons in | | | | pieces of clothing are appropriate for the different |
| how to dress themselves into a game, children can be | | | | seasons. Give them items such as nightclothes, |
| encouraged to put on their own clothes and shoes | | | | beachwear, light dresses, sweaters, woolen scarves, |
| without the usual drama that often accompanies this | | | | thick socks and hats and ask them to dress up for a |
| task. Providing unwanted clothes, shoes, hats, bags, | | | | particular season. |
| jewelery and make up is a great way to fuel their | | | | Parents can play a game by dressing themselves in |
| imaginations as well as teach them how to dress | | | | clothes suitable for two seasons, e.g. winter and |
| themselves. | | | | summer and asking their little ones to say which pieces |
| When a child is preparing to go to pre-school, one of | | | | are right for one of the seasons and which ones are |
| the things parents worry about is whether their little | | | | not. |
| one will be able to tie his own shoe-laces, put on his | | | | Dressing up a teddy bear or a doll is another way to |
| sweater or dress himself in his coat and hat before | | | | teach your child to dress himself. Using his own clothes, |
| going out to the playground. | | | | a child could be asked to dress the toy up ready for a |
| Children like to feel independent and many a hurried | | | | day at the beach or to go to a party or for going out |
| parent has had to wait, hopping from one foot to the | | | | on a rainy day. The child will gradually learn which items |
| other, while their toddler slowly and painstakingly tries | | | | of clothing are appropriate wear for which occasion. |
| to button up a coat. | | | | This game will allow him to practice fastening smaller |
| Teaching a child to dress himself can be made into a | | | | buttons and zips. |
| game by giving him a few items of clothing, sized for | | | | Playing at being other people is an enjoyable game |
| an adult or a much older child, to play with. | | | | and an opportunity to help your child learn to dress |
| Provide a shirt or cardigan with very large buttons to | | | | himself. Dressing up as a pirate, a clown or a cartoon |
| encourage your toddler to practice pushing the button | | | | character is great fun, will stimulate your child's |
| through the buttonhole in his own time and at his own | | | | imagination and enable him to practice his skills at |
| pace. | | | | putting on and taking off different kinds of clothing. |
| An item of clothing with a big, sturdy zip can be used | | | | Playing dressing up games is a great way to help a |
| to show him how to handle this safely. | | | | child have fun while learning to manipulate his own |
| Children often like to learn to lace up their shoes | | | | clothing. This skill will help your child feel more |
| themselves at quite an early age. A pair of mum's | | | | independent and give him a great sense of |
| trainers or dad's boots would be ideal for practicing | | | | achievement. |