One of the main occupations of childhood is learning to be independent in all self-care activities. These are the things children have to do everyday, usually in the morning, to get ready to go to school or out into the community. Common examples include dressing, self-feeding, toileting, brushing teeth, brushing hair, bathing, and other hygiene tasks. Dressing is one of the first activities children master, but every child progresses at a different rate. In general, here are some basic dressing tasks and the ages children typically learn how to perform them without help:
- Take off socks: 12-18 months
- Push arms into sleeves: 12-24 months
- Push down pants: 2 years
- Find arm holes in open jacket: 2 years
- Put on and take off shirt: 3 years
- Put on and take off elastic shorts: 3-4 years
- Button large buttons: 3 years
- Unzip zippers: 3 years
- Put on socks and shoes: 4 years
- Start a zipper: 4 years
- Button small buttons: 5 years
- Dress without help: 5-6 years
- Tie shoelaces: 5-6 years
Working on dressing tasks with your child often includes a high stress level due to busy morning schedules. One tip is to work on dressing at times when the whole family is less busy such as weekends and before bed. You may want to start by having your child be in charge of putting on their own pajamas, even if you have to help them get dressed before school until they get faster at dressing. If your child resists practicing dressing at all, try letting them pick out what they want to wear to help increase their sense of control. Practicing buttons and zippers can be made more fun when the fasteners are on dolls or other toys. If your child is having trouble learning how to tie shoelaces, there are several different methods you can try that have online videos on how to teach them. One method may work for your child much better than the others, so it may take some trial and error. In general, try to provide the least help possible while your child gets dressed, but provide small amounts of help when necessary so they are successful and do not become discouraged.
Children will reach these dressing milestones at different ages, but ask your occupational therapist if your child is still having trouble with these tasks despite months or years of practice at home.
Written by Christine LaPorte, MOT, OTR/L
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