Teach Your Kids to Get Dressed Alone (No Mommy Required)

Who knew before becoming a parent that getting dressed was almost certain to become a challenge? Yet as soon as you're done eating for two, you find yourself dressing for two. Not only does your daily routine and attire change—both what you choose to wear and the amount of time it takes to get up and dressed in the morning—but you have the added responsibility of making sure your child is dressed appropriately, too.

For parents of infants, this usually means stocking up on onesies, investing in a good stain remover, and getting your laundry under control. But when it comes to dressing toddlers and preschoolers, let's face it—you're not the only one with input anymore. Despite being easier and faster to just continue dressing your child, this is the age when you should teach your kids to get dressed alone.

Some children welcome the challenge, while others prefer to remain dependent on their parents. In either case, kids in this age group have their own ways of doing things—or not doing things—as well as their own likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, this developmental milestone is not mastered overnight. The good news is that helping your child to learn to dress independently does not have to be a guaranteed source of conflict if you approach it with the right attitude and come armed with a few helpful hints.