Let’s be honest, dressing your kids is rarely fun. Most of the time, it’s actually a stressful issue that leads someone to yell. Or crying. Or both. It’s especially stressful when you’re short on time and trying to get out the door quickly. Both of my daughters decide to throw tantrums about their outfits at the most inopportune times. Just as we get in the car, my oldest daughter starts complaining that her sleeves are bothering her or that her pants are too long. The youngest, on the other hand, thinks it’s the funniest thing in the world that mom chases her around the house while she gets dressed. That is why I was inspired to write this article. In the following paragraphs, I’ll provide mom-tested solutions that have helped me make dressing my kids easier and sometimes even fun.

1. Offer Options

Children often feel dominated by their parents or by adults in general. This is true when it comes to dressing them too. An easy way to make your children feel in control while doing things “their way” is to offer them choices. Does your little princess want to wear a pink dress or a purple dress? Is she in the mood for a skirt ensemble or a short ensemble? Preselect 2-3 outfits ahead of time and let your kids choose the one they like best.

2. Find committed

Take a few minutes at night or in the morning, weather permitting, to discuss an outfit with your child. Let him go through her closet while you give him her opinion and see if you can agree on anything. The key is to be kind and provide guidance. Try not to be too bossy. If she wants to wear a short-sleeved t-shirt and it’s 60 degrees, tell her “Honey, you’re going to be cold, it’s cold today.” If she still insists, offer them to put on a pair of jeans and grab a cadri “just in case.”

3. Make it fun for both of you

Sometimes for little ones, dressing up just isn’t fun enough. I already mentioned that my youngest daughter finds it more entertaining to run away from me than to put on her clothes. What I do when she’s in a silly mood is play a game with her. While putting on socks or pants I say “I’m going to eat your foot!” and pretend that the sock “eats his foot” while I put it on his little toes. I have sung songs and played games of pickaboo with my two daughters while dressing them up.

4. Let them dress themselves

Sometimes it’s just the north that’s worth it. If you are running late or already have a rough morning, let the children dress themselves. Who knows, maybe they will surprise you!

Dressing your kids doesn’t have to be stressful. By following any or all of the tips above, you can make this an educational, bonding, and fun experience for everyone involved!