Dressing Problems: Poking, Stalling

Once your child is able to dress himself (usually by age 4 or 5), it is reasonable to expect him to do so within a specific amount of time (for example, 20 minutes) every morning. The following guidelines can help you deal with poking or stalling.

• Make sure your child is able to do the task you are asking him to do. Preschool-age children sometimes need some help.
• Establish a morning routine. For example, get up, go to the bathroom, get dressed, make the bed, and eat breakfast. This will help your child know what you expect. You might want to post the routine in your child’s room on a dry-erase board as a reminder.
• Give your child enough time (20 to 30 minutes before breakfast) to get dressed.
• Do not allow the TV to be turned on.
• Have breakfast ready after the 20-minute dressing time. You may want to give a 5 minute warning before breakfast is served.
• At first, praise your child often for getting dressed by himself and on time.
• If time allows, spend some time after breakfast playing a game or reading a story.
• If your child does not finish dressing in the time you have allowed, have him stay in his room to finish dressing. Ignore stalling. Don't nag. If your child throws a tantrum, use time-out.
• If your child must go to school and is not dressed by 10 to 15 minutes before it is time to leave, dress him. Stay calm. Give clear instructions.