My Toddler Hates Wearing Clothes! Is This Normal?

Yes, it is normal for your toddler to hate wearing clothes. It is also normal for your toddler to refuse to get dressed and to take the clothes off immediately after you have pinned them down on the floor to dress them. It is frustrating, yes, but it’s not abnormal. As any parent of a toddler, you are probably at your wit’s end. It is tiring to try and get your toddler dressed only to have them undress themselves faster than you ever imagined they could. When your toddler is going through this stage there are several things you can do.

Let Them Go Naked

Well, not completely naked, but in just a diaper. Sure, lots of toddler will try and take their diapers off and this can cause more cleanups than it is worth, but if your toddler is refusing clothes and you allow them to go without then they will eventually forget about the battle of getting dressed and the issue will go away. Of course, your child will need to get dressed at some point, but if you don’t make a big deal out of it you are allowing them their independence and they aren’t getting to make the big show they like so much. Many will give up eventually if you say something like. Well, we are all going to the pool, but only those wearing swimsuits can swim. If he refuses to put on his swimsuit, take him in a diaper but don’t let him swim. He’ll get the point eventually although it is a major hassle for mom and dad!

Let them choose

Toddlers want to be independent and make their own decisions. So, if you don’t think the naked option works for your family and your child must be dressed then let them pick out their clothes. For parents with a fashion sense, pick two pair of shorts and two shirts that all match and let your toddler choose his clothes. Then, he will feel he is making a decision in what he wears and you aren’t embarrassed by his outfit! Also, make a game of getting dressed. Tell your toddler that if he gets dressed without a fuss he receives a star. When he receives two stars in a row, he gets a prize. Inch the prize mark up by two or three stars until your child gets dressed with no problem.

These suggestions will help you deal with your toddler who does not want to get dressed. Keep in mind it takes a lot of time and effort to deal with toddlers and they won’t always be this way. So, try and enjoy this time in their life because it truly is fleeting and you will look back one day and miss it. Truly!

Posted in Toddler Time