It doesn’t seem that long ago when I kept track of my kids’ milestones. At the time, they seemed so important. Today, those milestones give me a bit of nostalgia. One such milestone is when each child becomes a capable dresser.
All parents wait for the day when their kids can dress themselves. They imagine what it will be like to have the freedom to have a cup of coffee while Junior gets ready for school.
When Can Children Dress Themselves?
So just when can you have that cup of coffee while they get dressed? I tried to remember when that was the case. This post says that generally, kindergarten is the big marker. Between the ages of four to six is a good range.
But there is always that awkward time when not only do children want to dress themselves, but they want to choose the clothes. It can be a little embarrassing when your princess wants to wear that tutu to church or your son thinks polka dots and plaid patterns go together. Heaven help those of us who like the family to look their best when they go out!
On that note, my wife still lays out clothes for me. I believe I can dress myself, yet she may believe otherwise. All it took was one time for me to go out wearing a plaid and polka dots together!
Yes, I’ve been there. Now that my kids are almost grown, I realize those days when the kids were dependent were just as fun as today. It may be hard to see it now but enjoy every moment. Each stage in parenting has its own joys, even if you have to change dirty diapers, or contend with a teen striking out on her own in a big, scary world!
I drew this for an Illustration Friday challenge. The word at the time was “capable.” Naturally, a capable dresser came to my mind.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
8 replies on “Capable Dresser”
Love your style of illustrating….very nice!
My son just achieved this goal, he is 3, and while it’s not perfect and sometimes he gets dressed over a dirty diaper, I am so proud of him. I love that you chose to capture this moment. <3
Very cute and nicely done. It’s like he started with his shoes and socks then suddenly decided he really should put his shirt on first. (Or maybe he was cold.) Cute dog too!
Thank you. It’s great to remember some of the struggles and joys through the years.
I Love how you have the dog in the pic! It looks just like our scruffly, little black dog that sits and waits to have fun with children in the morning. We’re not at the sit & have a cup yet. We are still at the search for the other shoe & where is my backpack stage!
Yeah, I remember those days! Now as a grandma I do have more patience but am not usually as rushed as parents are… Love this illustration!
I agree. I’m looking forward to the grand-parenting stage. It will be nice to spoil the grand-kiddos!
Thanks for dropping by Elizabeth. That sit-a-spell stage will be here before you know it. Though, my fifteen-year-old daughter was frantically searching for her shoe this morning too!