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