Earlier this week I mentioned how tough it can be getting my boys dressed in the morning! I swear every parent has had this struggle at some point! As always you gals offered some amazing advice that we want to share with you! Plus, I’m sharing what has worked for my boys (most of the time)!
I do want to send a reminder that what works for one kid might not work for the next. So don’t take it as a failure if one option doesn’t work after a week or so, try another! For my boys I’ve completely given up caring what they wear during the week- pick your battles!
Laying out clothes
L has shared on stories before that every Sunday she sets outfits out for her boys. This gives them the option to choose from a small selection of choices. Too many options can be overwhelming.
Sleeping in school outfit
This idea was recommended sooooo many times. Somehow it’s never crossed my mind. Instead of pjs just put your kids in their clothes the night before. It doesn’t get any easier than this. My next thought was LESS LAUNDRY!
Kids Choice
Lots of mommas are giving their kids more control and letting them choose their outfits the night before or choosing them for the week!
Games + Music
All the fun moms have made it a game! I love this idea and sometimes do this with my kids just not in the am bc I’m not a morning person they love it!
Here are a few examples…
Create a playlist of their fav songs and start it at beginning when they wake up. Each day they’ll start to associate songs with how much time they have left (kinda like setting a timer).
Have races- see which kids can get dressed the fastest.
Sensory / Comfies
This was a top issue with all of you! L and I both have a son that only wants to wear the comfiest (I can’t disagree that I want to wear leggings 24/7). So many littles have different sensory issues with fabrics and tags too. Thankfully some of our favorite affordable brands have is covered.
Get dressed first
This is definitely a big one in our house! If I give my boys the chance to watch a show or eat breakfast first THEY TRANSFORM INTO SLOTHS. Get the kids dressed as soon as they wake up. For bigger kids let them know they should get dressed before they leave their room!
Rewards
We got a lot of different ideas from reward charts to very specific gifts over time. Here are a few examples…
Once they’re dressed allow them to do something that they normally can’t do. One mama recommended drawing on a mirror with dry erase markers. My boys think this is the coolest!
Let them earn (money). Once they collect enough, treat them to some candy at the gas station or hit up the dollar store.
Visuals
I loved these ideas, you mommas are so creative!
Many recommended social stories. You can make your own books or buy them here.
Routine Charts- we’ve used these in the past. I use to put categories like getting dressed, brushing teeth, making bed, etc on them. Once they were accomplished by the end of the week, I allowed them to pick a fun activity we could do on the weekend.
We hope these tips and tricks help you out next time you find yourself struggling in the morning to make it out the door. Next up, send all the tips on how to prevent your children from waking up at 5:45 am everyday! hahah
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