Help with difficulties in dressing

Helping with shoes on the wrong feet

If your child often puts shoes on the wrong feet, try placing a small red dot inside the right shoe. Encourage them to always start with the right shoe. This helps build a consistent habit.

Getting clothes on in the right order

Children may struggle with the order of dressing. You can help by placing clothes in a pile in the correct sequence or giving them one item at a time.

Taking photos of each step and using them as a visual guide can also support your child. Ask them to arrange the pictures in order before they start dressing.

Avoiding clothes worn back to front

To help your child recognise the front and back of clothing, show them how to find the label at the neck. Clothes with logos or designs on the front can also make it easier to tell which way round they go.

Improving appearance and fit

If your child’s clothes often look twisted or untidy, encourage them to check their appearance in a mirror.

Help them learn to spot and fix things like a twisted collar or bunched-up trousers. This builds independence and body awareness.

Helping with grip

Some children find it hard to grip clothing. Rolling up the edge of a t-shirt can make it easier to hold.

Choosing cotton fabrics instead of smooth or shiny ones can also help improve grip.

Supporting sock skills

Putting on socks can be tricky. Make sure your child is well supported. Sitting on the floor with their back against a wall or sitting on a chair with one leg crossed over the other can help.

You can use the backward chaining method: help them position the sock over the toe and heel, then let them pull it up. Gradually reduce your help as they gain confidence.

Another option is the hand-over-hand method, guiding their thumbs inside the sock to help position it correctly.

Sport tube socks are easier to manage because they don’t have a defined heel. Socks with contrasting heel and toe colours can also help your child see how to position them.