| Sometimes you'll find it's tough to get your | | | | you don't want to give strangers the means of |
| young child into his or her coat, no matter | | | | attracting his or her attention. Scruffy's |
| how cold it is outdoors. Though having to put | | | | Bookshop 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 or | | | | onto fabric and apply them to the coat? You |
| snowsuit is probably top of the list for | | | | could tell a whole story around the hem |
| wardrobe rebellion. This is probably because | | | | maybe? |
| 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, there | | | | Talking fast or drawing their attention to |
| usually isn't with a coat - when you need | | | | other toys, household objects or family pets |
| one, you need one! So, how can you make | | | | can take your toddler's mind off resistance |
| getting that coat onto your child less of a | | | | when you it's time to put on the dreaded |
| struggle? | | | | coat. |
| | | | |
| With the right materials | | | | Make it into a game |
| | | | |
| Some thick winter jackets make it almost | | | | Do something silly with the hated garment |
| impossible for the wearer to move. Avoid | | | | before attempting to put it on your child. |
| coats that are too tight, bulky, itchy, heavy | | | | Put it on yourself (which should be quite |
| or too restrictive. Choose light-weight | | | | amusing!) and announce that you're ready to |
| insulating materials over heavier ones such | | | | go. Or drape it over the dog, play hide and |
| as wool. | | | | seek with it .... there are loads of |
| | | | possibilities. Hopefully your toddler will |
| Offer choice | | | | find 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's | | | | coat on. |
| closet with a variety of expensive outerwear | | | | |
| so they can choose the coat they like that | | | | Try reasoning |
| day. But you can make the next coat you buy a | | | | |
| reversible one. That way he or she will be | | | | It can work sometimes! Before a tantrum has |
| able to decide which side out to wear on any | | | | developed, after which there will be no point |
| given day. And if it's not too cold, perhaps | | | | in trying to talk sensibly with your child, |
| you can dispense with the coat and give them | | | | explain why you want them to dress for |
| the option of wearing an additional sweater | | | | outdoors, 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 favourite | | | | and 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! But | | | | cold outside to day so you have to," and |
| remember, never ever add your child's name to | | | | quickly distract him or her once they're |
| the visible part of any outdoor clothing - | | | | ready. |