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Getting dressed traumas with 2.5 year old DD

5 replies

yawningbear · 17/04/2011 10:13

This seems like such a silly issue to post about and one I know I should just be able to sort out but it has become a real issue. DD has always disliked getting dressed, even as a baby it caused big scream ups. A few months ago I was thinking maybe is was a sensory thing, with DD not liking certain fabrics on her skin. She also dislikes anything with buttons, not quite sure why this is, perhaps because she can't whip them off as quickly as she would like, and so frustrating for her. She was causing a massive fuss every morning when it came to getting dressed and once dressed would strip off again asap. We now have a no cbeebies rule until dressed which works. However she has more recently been getting extremely attached to one piece of clothing, and if this is not available she gets hysterical. Her world ended this morning as said dress was waiting to be washed. She worked herself up to the point that she was likely to hurt herself and it was only ended by a time out in her room. She calmed down, went to dress her only for it all to begin again, by which time an hour had passed and my patience was sorely tested. I have a nine week old as well and am knackered. Previously it had been a sweater, which we coincidentally had two of, pressies from the grandma's. She LOVED them, to the point of point blank refusing to take it off at nursery despite it being boiling hot. They are still favoured but real attachment has moved to a summer dress which is a hand me down so even if I did want to pander to it and I am not sure I should, I can't get another one. Only other thing she is happy wearing is a ratty old fairy dress, which at least, is not pink Grin. Feel daft even posting this but does anyone have a similiar DC and any advice suggestions as to how to avoid major meltdown every morning very welcome.

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skaen · 17/04/2011 20:07

My DD was similar but has now mostly grown out of it (nearly 4 but probably more or less over it by 3ish when she started to be able to dress herself).

Does it help if she has free range of her drawers and can choose anything else - even if it means pyjamas and a pair of fairy wings?

Otherwise, deep breathes and this too will pass.

yawningbear · 18/04/2011 14:18

Thanks for reply Skaen, good to know that your daughter has grown out of it, it sometimes feels that it could go on for a v long time! I had put bits and pieces in a tub on the floor in her room so she could choose but she was so not interested unless the one or two things that she wants to wear are in it, but I will maybe give it another go with less items as too much choice seems as difficult for her as none. Anyway, this morning was a good morning as favoured dress was clean & ready to wear! Thanks.

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petisa · 18/04/2011 15:19

It always seems endless at the time, but she might grow out of it quickly..?

Just wanted to send sympathies, I know how tiring it can be with a new baby and stroppy preschooler! Have no real advice to add, as my dd has never been that bothered about clothes, but it sounds like you're doing the best you can! I let my dd choose from any of her (weather appropriate) clothes and thank God cross everything so far she is happy with that. (Changing her nappy is quite another matter however but that's another thread!) If I were you I'd go ahead with your idea of providing just a couple of choices. If that didn't work, personally I would pander! Anything for an easy life, especially with a baby in tow!

petisa · 18/04/2011 15:20

Oh I also find getting dd before she's even got out of bed and is still half asleep and getting the nappy and clothes on before she's even rubbed her eyes practically helps me a lot. Once she's decided which game she is going to play with which toys, I'm doomed! Good luck.

yawningbear · 19/04/2011 10:09

Sympathies readily accepted and appreciated petisa! To be honest I just feel a bit rubbish that something so basic is flooring me, but I did decide yesterday to go with the easy option and went to H & M and got some hideous pink items that I thought DD would go for. I was right, and last night she slept in not one but two 'retty summer dresses'Grin Oh gawd! As for nappies, well that used to be horrendous too, until she started at a creche where they trained her up no bother, so clearly it is my ineffective parenting skills Smile Good luck with that one!

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