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Just trying to get out the door

Getting a toddler ready for an outing can be an exercise in frustration

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Originally published in Today's Parent January 2009


With a doctor’s appointment looming, Alison Parker dressed nearly-two-year-old Rosie in her standard January outfit: snow pants, jacket, boots, mittens and hat. She pulled on her own boots and jacket, then realized she needed to restock the diaper bag with some disposables and snacks. It only took a minute, but when she returned, diapers in hand, Rosie’s boots, socks, mittens and hat were off and scattered around the front hall, and she was working on getting her jacket unzipped.

The process of getting yourself and your child ready is often an exercise in frustration, especially in winter, says Nikki Taylor, parent education manager at the Oakville (Ont.) Parent-Child Centre. That’s true whether you have to get your toddler out the door every morning for daycare, or are heading out for an appointment or playdate. “This issue comes up in almost every group I facilitate,” she says. “But if you understand your child’s development and temperament, you can have reasonable expectations.”

Parker’s experience taught her one strategy: “The lesson I learned was that first I pack the diaper bag and get dressed, then I start on Rosie,” she says.

Good plan, says Taylor, adding that involving your toddler may make it go more smoothly. “If you get dressed first, you can ask your toddler to assist you with your boots, your hat, your mittens. Then once you’re all ready, you invite them to take their turn — with your help, of course.”

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