The Preschooler

Extra Time to Get Out the Door

I suppose I am relating to many parents of young children when I say that I often struggle to get out the door on time.  Although I try to start getting ready to leave when I feel I will have plenty of time to get everyone ready, it seems as though there is always something (or a few things) that comes up during the process.  Someone has an accident and needs new clothes or a child goes to retrieve shoes from the front porch and lets the puppy escape for the third time.  Whatever the reason, proposing that parents, including myself, begin the process even earlier so that your child may dress herself may seem like an impossible task.

There are many benefits of allowing your child to get ready by herself.  Not only will she learn independence, but she will also begin to strengthen her fine motor skills.  It does indeed take time for a child to button up a shirt, zip up a jacket, and put on shoes (even Velcro ones).  However, if you give your child the time to practice these skills often, she will soon be doing them on her own and at a faster pace, which, of course, helps get everyone out the door on time.

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Written by Laura on August 17, 2011