It’s a common scenario that can leave parents feeling frustrated, especially when mornings are rushed. However, with a few practical approaches and the right communication strategies, you can turn this daily task into a much simpler and conflict-free routine. Here are specific steps to make mornings smoother and help your child get dressed more easily.
1. Validate their feelings: empathy comes before discipline
It’s important to remember how crucial it is to put yourself in your child’s shoes. Often, they enjoy the comfort of their pyjamas and don’t understand the urgency adults feel to start the day. Acknowledging their feelings and showing understanding can make a real difference. Instead of directly insisting they get dressed, try saying something like:
“I can see you’re really comfy in your pyjamas—I understand you don’t want to take them off just yet.”
These kinds of statements strengthen emotional connection and create a calmer environment, making the dressing process more manageable.
2. Lay out clothes the night before
A simple but effective strategy is to choose and prepare clothes before bedtime. This removes rushed decision-making in the morning and helps the day start more calmly. Involving your child in this preparation also gives them a sense of responsibility and control over what they wear.
3. Offer choices to foster independence
Children may resist when they feel they have no control over their activities. Giving them choices lets them make decisions and feel part of the process. Ask questions like:
“Would you like to put your trousers on first or your top?”
“Do you want to wear the blue top or the red one today?”
This encourages autonomy and engagement, motivating them to cooperate more easily.
4. Turn getting dressed into a game
Play is a key part of child development, so making getting dressed fun can be very effective. You could try strategies such as:
“Let’s see who can get dressed faster—you or me?”
“Can you put your shoes on before I finish brushing my hair?”
This makes the routine more dynamic and enjoyable, helping them associate dressing with a positive experience.
5. Establish a predictable routine
Having clear times and structures helps children feel secure and reduces resistance. Setting specific slots for each morning activity can be very useful. For example:
- 07:30: Wake up.
- 07:45: Dressed and ready for breakfast.
Over time, this routine becomes second nature, easing transitions without constant reminders.
6. Reinforce effort with positive feedback
Acknowledging your child’s effort, even if the result isn’t perfect, is key to encouraging them. Phrases like:
“Great job choosing your clothes today!”
“I love how you’re learning to dress yourself. Keep it up!”
These boosts build confidence and encourage continued independence.
7. Minimise distractions during dressing
Mornings can be full of distractions like toys or screens. To speed up dressing, set rules about screen use and other attention-grabbers. You could also make it more fun with a song describing each item of clothing or a little dance routine you do together.
8. Use incentives to motivate
A simple reward system can encourage your child to dress without fuss. For instance, create a weekly chart where each day they get dressed independently earns a sticker. Collect five stickers, and they might receive a small treat, like their favourite dinner.
9. Choose easy-to-wear clothes
Some children struggle with buttons, zips, or fasteners. Picking comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing makes the process quicker and promotes independence.
10. Dress together as an example
Children learn by watching, so getting dressed alongside them lets them copy your movements and understand how to put on clothes. Doing it together is a natural way to guide without pressure.
11. Use a clock as a challenge
To make it more fun, set a timer (e.g., 20–30 minutes) and challenge your child to get dressed before it goes off. This adds a personal challenge and encourages them to improve their time each day.
Conclusion
Dealing with morning resistance doesn’t have to be stressful. By combining empathy, choice, play, and a clear routine, you can transform this challenge into a simple—and even enjoyable—part of the day. The key is offering control, staying understanding, and reinforcing effort so your child feels motivated to cooperate.
Try these strategies, and you’ll see mornings flow more smoothly, creating a harmonious start to the day for the whole family.
And remember, for times when you’re not nearby, the GPS and call-enabled smartwatch offers a safe and practical way to stay in touch with your child without the need for a mobile phone, reducing digital risks.
