Help with dressing skills
Helping your child with dressing
Children may find dressing difficult for different reasons, including sensitivity to clothing.
See Using my senses advice sheet.
Choose clothes that are easy to manage and can make dressing easier:
- loose-fitting items with minimal fastenings
- stretchy socks
- elasticated waistbands
Start by encouraging your child to take part in the process, such as pushing their arm through a sleeve.
Make sure they’re well supported while sitting or standing so their hands are free to use. If they have poor balance, sitting on a chair or using a corner wall for support can help.
Start with undressing
Undressing is usually easier than dressing, so begin there.
Talk your child through the order of clothing, which items go on first, and name body parts to help build body awareness.
Keeping a consistent routine helps make the activity predictable and easier to follow.
Practise when there’s time
Try dressing practice during calm times, like evenings or weekends.
Allow your child time to take part, for example, pause after placing their arm in a sleeve so they can push it through themselves.
Lay clothes out in the order they’re put on, with jumpers placed so the bottom edge is nearest the child and the neck furthest away.
Use simple verbal and visual cues, such as “give me your foot”.
Practise through play - dressing dolls or using dressing-up games.
A mirror can help reinforce learning
A visual schedule showing the order of clothing can support children who benefit from pictorial sequences.
Build confidence and awareness
Give positive feedback and set small, achievable goals, like pulling up trousers.
If dressing is very challenging, try the backward chaining technique - see Backward chaining advice sheet for details.
For children who are easily distracted, choose a quiet, calm environment.
Play games that build body awareness, such as Simon Says and help develop strength and fine motor skills. You can also use picture sequencing games to help your child learn the order of dressing.
See Using my hands advice sheet.
Before starting, warm up with arm and hand activities.