Trying to raise a child with special needs can be both incredibly challenging and also equally incredibly rewarding. While they may struggle in some areas, you may find that they readily flourish in others. However, getting them dressed and ready for the day is one task that can be especially daunting if your child has developmental disabilities.
If your child learns to dress up by themselves, however, it can be a great benefit for both you and your child. With a mixture of love, determination, and courage, you and your child can conquer the world one shirtsleeve at a time. If you’re trying to streamline your morning routine, then here are four tips to help make it go much smoother for yourself and your little one.
Invest In Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing is tailored for a wide range of abilities and understandably, as no two kids are the same. There is always some degree of difference involved, no matter the underlying similarities. Therefore, designers have embraced a diverse range of adapted clothing with one purpose in mind: to develop a line of clothing that improves the lives of those who use it.
As time passes, manufacturers are launching better products, which can be used without much effort, and one way to help make dressing easier for your child is by investing in this adaptive clothing. Many brands make clothes that have large buttons, velcro, and elastic to make putting the clothes on and taking them back off a breeze.
For instance, shirts with large buttons can be better for young fingers, and seamless socks can help prevent rubbing for children who wear foot orthotics. Button and zipper operation might be challenging for someone with limited dexterity, but velcro or magnetic fastener can help those who struggle with their fine motor skills. In turn, this can make the process much more pleasant for you and your child.
Let Them Use Their Voices
Doesn’t it feel wonderful when someone listens to you, and really listens to what you have to say? Curiosity is a wonderful trait that we share as humans, and if your kid is using his voice to share his opinion with you, or if they are trying to be independent – just let them be! Don’t try to overtalk them or ignore them just because you “know better.”
Instead, support them with love and affection. Today they are trying to wear their favorite shirt, and tomorrow, you might see them reaching for a pair of jeans or a pair of shoes that they’re particularly fond of. And this newfound courage could very well have arisen from you supporting their independence and empowering them to speak up.
Show Them the Best Way
The best approach to teaching children new skills is by breaking bigger tasks into smaller, mini tasks. Once your child is old enough, you may start to demonstrate the process of getting ready by teaching them each step one by one. Whenever your kid is able to complete the final stage of a particular task, begin teaching them the next step.
Parents often wonder if their children will ever be able to lead an independent life, and the first step in helping them achieve it begins at home, while they are young. Guide them, understand them, and shower them with love and affection as they master these basic skills. Sometimes it can be hard, and it can get frustrating. But it’s more than worth it when they successfully get ready in the morning.
Make It Fun
Children are very different from us, and while they aren’t just small adults in young bodies, they’re still very perceptive to our moods. If you are having a bad day and you’re taking that frustration out on your kid, they’ll take note of it and may feel sad or even start to act out. Instead, try to moderate your moods and rein in your temper, even if you’re having an “off” day.
When helping them get dressed, try to make them feel comfortable around you. It’s a good idea to have your kid pick out what they want to wear that day, and support them in this decision, even if their outfit isn’t the most cohesive. Feel free to make a game out of it. If you make it more fun, they’ll be less resistant to letting you dress them. They may even be more interactive and try to help you with the task, too.
As a busy mom, finding ways to help get your child ready to take on the day can definitely make your life easier. Making sure your little one can help you (in any way they can!) is a fantastic way to help you clear out your to-do list. Whether you’re going to stay at home and do arts and crafts on a rainy day, or you’re headed out the door to explore local parks in the sunshine, you’ll be able to enjoy it all the more with your well-dressed kid in tow!
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