Tips and Tricks for Getting Dressed for School

Your Guide to Getting Kids Dressed for School

Getting our children through their morning routine and out the door can be challenging. Getting dressed for school is often met with arguments or apprehension, especially for touch-sensitive children. As leaders in sensory, occupational, and speech services in Massachusetts, South Shore Therapies is here to share effective tips for getting kids dressed for school. If you’re faced with a relentlessly stressful morning regimen, we have getting dressed tips and tricks to simplify this process and make it more pleasant for you and your kids.

When Should My Child Be Able to Get Dressed Independently?

By the age of 6, a child should have the foundational skills to be able to dress and undress independently. However, our children should start to be involved, and become more familiar, with the process as early as 2 years old. This exposure supports developmental skill acquisition needed for future independence with dressing and allows the child to feel autonomy in their daily routines. 

Effective Tips to Help Your Child with Dressing

The transition from laidback summer days to school mornings is known to intensify sensory processing difficulties for many children. To encourage independence for your child and mitigate stress and delayed mornings, South Shore Therapies is here to share some effective tips for optimizing getting kids dressed for school in the morning.

• Create a Morning Routine for School

A structured routine provides your child with stability, and comfort in consistency. A consistent and expected routine can increase participation in daily activities, including getting dressed. To create a consistent morning routine or schedule, you want to have the same sequence of tasks each day. It may be helpful to have these tasks completed at the same time each day. A visual schedule can be a great support to help your child understand the routine. It is important to incorporate time for regulating sensory strategies into the morning routine in order to set your child up for success.

• Be Prepared

On the weekends, take time to try on different outfits to see what works and which outfits your child prefers. Picking out an outfit the night before can help your child feel more prepared for the day and decreases the stress or battles that might arise from having to choose an outfit in the morning in addition to getting dressed and ready. If your child goes to a school that requires a uniform, allow them to get used to their new attire by having them wear it several times in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.

• Have Options Ready

Before the morning arrives, lay out several clothing options for your child to choose from. Choices greatly help with getting kids dressed for school in the morning by providing them with a sense of control and independence. It can also eliminate potential conflicts and last-minute searches for your child’s desired outfit.

• Modify the Clothing Items

If your child experiences challenges with certain articles of clothing, consider how you may modify them to align with your child's needs. For instance, if your child does not like how tight a shirt feels, purchase a larger size, opt for elastic-waistband pants instead of button-ups, or swap laces for slip-on shoes. Your occupational therapist can work on strategies and targeted interventions that can remediate these sensitivities for long term success.

• Use a Mirror

Tactile-sensitive children may have the sensation of having something crawling on them when trying on clothes in the morning. Have your child get dressed in front of a mirror to avoid panic and discomfort. This allows your child to see their whole body, promoting a feeling of security, comfort, and control.

• Verbal Guidance

While in front of the mirror, consider using verbal guidance to help your child understand the process of getting dressed for school in the morning. You may offer words of encouragement while explaining the process with phrases such as "Put your right arm through the soft sleeve. Great job! Now, let's do the left arm."

• Make It Fun

Turn getting dressed for school in the morning into an exciting part of your child's day. Consider the things your child loves. Perhaps it's superheroes, princesses, or dancing. Incorporate these elements into your routine by turning on their favorite music or movie, turning it into a game, or getting creative with other imaginative ideas.

Learn More About How to Optimize Your Morning Routine

Mornings can be tough, but with a little proactive effort and positivity, they can become your and your child's favorite part of the day. Follow these effective strategies to build a supportive and pleasant morning routine for school. To learn more, contact South Shore Therapies today.