Toddler refusing granny's lovingly hand-knitted jumper

[HJBeans]

Our DS (19m) has never shown any emotion and barely any preference over what he wears. Until my mother-in-law spent a lot of her visit finishing off an intricate knitted vest, which he absolutely refuses to wear. We don't want to force him to wear things he doesn't like, but would love him to wear it at Easter as it would make my MIL so happy. Any tips?

Details: He complained putting it on the first time - which he sometimes does with jumpers to resist getting ready to leave - but then kept ripping at it and crying, so we took it off. He wore it without complaint the next day when he was excited about going out and we stuck it on last thing before leaving. But in the following weeks every time we try to put it on, he goes ballistic. It took her weeks to make and it's the only piece of clothing he's ever refused. :-(

Just a thought (from a fellow knitter and one who would be sad to see my work unworn, but more sad to see a little chap forced to wear it if it really upset him!) - have you washed it? It may be that it just needs some fabric softener - maybe it doesn't feel or smell right...

"could there be a sense of pressure to be close to someone he doesn't really know? And he has been babysat a few times by her so maybe has a bad association of us being away?'

this made me lol as it sounds so very PFB but that is exactly what would have gone through my sleep deprived head with PFB.

Definitely yy to getting a photo and trying reverse psychology on your lovely toddler. We had quite a few beautiful knitted cardies and jumpers which are wasting away in the wardrobe. My dc prefer H&M

It's a sleeveless jumper - so worn over his shirt and never touches the skin.

Could try washing it, purple - certainly can't make him hate it more! Good to hear from a knitter on this. I have no knowledge of this sort of thing, but MIL seems to have really pushed the boat out on this one - lots of colours and very intricate design and up all hours working on it for weeks. Probably worth saying that previous simpler jumpers she had made for him have been worn with no complaint whatsoever. But he was more of a baby and less of a toddler for them.

Guilty as charged, lovelyclaycup! Am always impressed that I can simultaneously think these things and think "how ridiculous!" But there you go - I think I'm still struggling with the utter lack of reason in small children's heads.

at that age I'd go with the "you can wear anything but not the special jumper Granny made you...."

"I'm still struggling with the utter lack of reason in small children's heads.'

Same here with dc2 (2yrs). Sometimes they just get caught in a strop. Dc2 is in utter love with the pyjamas & wellie-boot (spelling?) combo mentioned above, preferably without socks . Try and take any of these off or suggest to wear trousers or normal top and we are in for wwIII. We are still shaking a bit from this morning's outburst.

It's not a lack of reason, it's just an inability to clearly communicate their reason. Added to hypersensitivity that you often see in children (certainly in mine).

Put it away for a couple of weeks. He may forget he doesn't like it.

If he still kicks off when he sees it again, try putting it on teddy for a couple of days.