It seems like I’m perpetually running late for my son’s playgroups, music classes, and doctor’s appointments. Winter is the worst time for this. I always find myself torn between not being late and taking the time to let him learn to put on his own shoes, jacket, and mittens. He can sometimes get his jacket on by himself, but he can also spend several minutes whirling about, trying to catch the second sleeve. About half the time he ends up with the jacket upside down, sleeves the wrong way around, and we have to start over.
I’ve found one trick that can save a few minutes, though. If I simply hang the jacket hood on his head, it’s in the right position for him to get his arms in, and I don’t have to stand there holding it. He still feels like he’s doing it himself. I can put my own jacket on and be done just in time to zip him up.
Simple, but hey, it’s sometimes the simple things that get us through. Any other time-saving, child-dressing tricks you’ve found?
Another one that eliminates the cat-chasing-its-tail aspect is this one.
Have him put the coat on the floor, front open to the sky. Stand at the collar (toes to the tags!), bend over, put arms in sleeves, flip over head. Voila! One coat on, one happy and competent wee one.
You can also, hold his jacket upside down with the arm holes facing him. Have him put his arms in the holes and then tell him to flip the jacket over his head. It’s on in a flash and it’s fun. They taught my son this little trick at preschool.