My six year old Daughter just started kindergarden this year, she does great in school. But she still has trouble dressing herself. i.e. snapping her pants, zipping her pants and putting on her socks and shoes. Is this normal?
Thanks to everyone with all the input. Since I have been working with her a lot more she is doing a bit better. Myself as a child had trouble for much longer but I have mild CP and it effects my hands to some degree. My 6 year has nothing wrong with her motor skills and is excelling in kung fu class. I am leaning towards she just got too use to me doing it for her, she is giving up and not looking at what she is trying to do.Kind of the same concept of getting dressed in the dark, I guess.
I would say yes and no....my daughter is 8 soon to be 9 and she just pulls her pants down over her hips....she still refuses to button, snap, and zip. Then she has the nerve to get mad when she can't get them over her tiny little hips. Oh the joys I have to look forward to.
Jen
I think so. My daughter is seven and has difficulty with buttons. She has a pair of pants that she won't hardly wear unless she knows it is a day that I will be with her and I can button them for her. The other day my 11 year old son put a sock on upside down - the sole of the sock and heel area were on the top of his foot. Apparently it did not bother him, but it really bothered me. He does not do that often - I don't think. He must not have been paying attention when he got dressed and I guess he was too lazy to take the sock off and put it on right. Of course by now I have probably distressed you to think that even when kids are 11 they can still put their clothes on incorrectly. Good luck.
Yes, give her about 6 months and she will be snapping and zipping away!
that is a little slow. Have you had her motor skills tested? Usually by 4, children can do that on their own. Perhaps she just doesnt get the connection. I would work with her extra and let her see how you do it. Sometimes, by example, helps. I know I can hear something 100 times, but until I do it myself, it doesnt stick. Good luck and God bless.
I had the same problem with my son at that age because I helped him too much. We would always be in a hurry and it was just easier to do it for him. I had to start getting him up a little earlier and then just leave the room so I wouldn't see him struggling. Then he did learn how to dress himself better. Good luck.
My son had trouble (last year when he was that age in first grade) with one particular pair of pants that was difficult, and I finally bought a pair of those elasticized, cork screw shoe laces so that he wouldn't have to lace them because it was a wretched battle every day to get his lace-up shoes on, which solved the daily shoe battle. He can tie shoes, but is still awkward at it. This year my MIL bought him a pair of velcro shoes, so it's not an issue any more. Although, I believe his church shoes are lace up, and he hasn't been needing help with them, so maybe he can manage once a week.
So, yes, I think it's normal. Pull on pants are easier to deal with, and more common with girls. Just make a point of buying easier clothing in the future. Have her try them on and do them up herself, and if she can't, get something else. If her socks are difficult to get on, perhaps they are getting too small? I noticed that with my second son, so I solved that by getting him new, bigger socks, and we're all happy.
Kindergarten is when the fine motor skills start really coming together. I would get her some cute leggings and tops she can pull over her head. Maybe her socks are too small?
My first couldn't do fine motor skills to save his life until well into first grade, my fourth could get out of carseat harnesses by the time he was two, but he still can't get his soccer socks on and is 8.
no not normal. my 2 year old can do these things... talk to her doctor it sounds like shes having trouble with fine motor skills... how does she do with writing her abc's and name? talk to her doctor they can lead you in the right direction. good luck!
Hello T.,
I must tell you that you have babfied your child too much like my girlfriend has done her little ones. They should be able to give themselves a bath by that age and know they still do have problems with those snap buttoms. They should be learning about deordant of how to put it on. It's not to late because the teachers and teachers assitant don't have time to hold their hands.
Not sure we are the ones to state what is 'normal' or not but my son has been doing these things since almost 5. He sometimes has trouble with buttons that are tight and he is 6 1/2. He can tie his shoes, zip, and snap. You may want to ask her doctor if she is in the normal range. It may also be what age you started allowing her or asking her to do these things. I have noticed that with our son we started him early doing these things but with our daughter who just turned 4 I have not asked her to start trying to get dressed. Maybe b/c it is my 'baby' I do it all for her. Because of this she may be behind when her brother started doing them. Hope this helps
Completely! Her little hands are still developing and the muscles need to be developed and strengthened. This are the "fine motor skills" that your daughter's teacher may discuss with you during a conference. Have her practice picking small pieces of paper with her index finger and thumb, stringing beads, play with play dough and roll small balls. Anything that has her bending her little fingers is great.Get the games "Operation", "Perfection" and even"Hi-Ho Cherrio" these also help with eye/hand coordination.
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/fine-motor-ski...
This site has some other activities, but go onthe web and search for more...She is normal! Rest assured...oh and don't forget to have her practice zipping, buttoning, and socks, several time on her baby dolls, you... and then herself. It is easier to see them on others first and then on herself.
