Best tips for parents


Avoiding Coat Combat!

Sometimes you'll find it's tough to get youryou don't want to give strangers the means of
young child into his or her coat, no matterattracting his or her attention. Scruffy's
how cold it is outdoors. Though having to putBookshop has loads of great illustrated books
on clothes at someone else's command may- why not transfer one or two of our pictures
prompt resistance from a toddler, a coat oronto fabric and apply them to the coat? You
snowsuit is probably top of the list forcould tell a whole story around the hem
wardrobe rebellion. This is probably becausemaybe?
no other item of clothing restricts their
freedom of movement so much. Additionally,Distraction
whilst there's often scope for individual
expression in other areas of dressing, thereTalking fast or drawing their attention to
usually isn't with a coat - when you needother toys, household objects or family pets
one, you need one! So, how can you makecan take your toddler's mind off resistance
getting that coat onto your child less of awhen you it's time to put on the dreaded
struggle?coat.
With  the  right  materialsMake  it  into  a  game
Some thick winter jackets make it almostDo something silly with the hated garment
impossible for the wearer to move. Avoidbefore attempting to put it on your child.
coats that are too tight, bulky, itchy, heavyPut it on yourself (which should be quite
or too restrictive. Choose light-weightamusing!) and announce that you're ready to
insulating materials over heavier ones suchgo. Or drape it over the dog, play hide and
as  wool.seek with it .... there are loads of
possibilities. Hopefully your toddler will
Offer  choicefind it all so funny that there won't be any
protests when it's time to actually put the
Obviously you can't stuff your toddler'scoat  on.
closet with a variety of expensive outerwear
so they can choose the coat they like thatTry  reasoning
day. But you can make the next coat you buy a
reversible one. That way he or she will beIt can work sometimes! Before a tantrum has
able to decide which side out to wear on anydeveloped, after which there will be no point
given day. And if it's not too cold, perhapsin trying to talk sensibly with your child,
you can dispense with the coat and give themexplain why you want them to dress for
the option of wearing an additional sweateroutdoors, that it's cold outside, everyone
or  fleece.else is dressed for the weather. Maybe fake a
few  shivers.
Add  interest
Of course if all else fails, you're the boss
A boring old coat can become a top favouriteand you'll simply have to put the coat on
when it's been adorned with appliques,your child anyway. Be firm but understanding,
colored patches, braid, bobbles - whatever"I know you don't like to wear this, but it's
takes your (and your child's) fancy! Butcold outside to day so you have to," and
remember, never ever add your child's name toquickly distract him or her once they're
the visible part of any outdoor clothing -ready.



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