Teaching 2.5 Year to Change His Own Clothes...and Keep It That Way.

Toddlers flip back in forth, stepping backwards and forwards until they are ready to move forward with a skill. I think it is completely normal, and I would suggest you go with the flow, and let him do it his way - which ever way whichever day.

Maybe ask him " Are you going to be a big boy today and dress (undress yourself) or do you want mommy's help?" This makes either way okay, so if he is trying to do the opposite of what you want that option is eliminated. At 2.5 years power struggles are fun for the little ones, but not for us.

I am glad you are waiting for the potty training. I waited for mine to be ready and did not push at all. They trained quite quickly and I did not have the many struggles so many parents talk about.

Good luck.

C.

This is common in most two's-what they like to do one week they don't like the next. Once they've figured out how to do something they don't wan to do it any more. His gross motor skills are still developing so it is probably hard for him to change his clothes consistantly. I think both my kids were completely changing on their own by four. I wouldn't make a big deal about it when he doesn't, just whoop it up when he does.

go with the flow - I promise you will not be dressing him for college:) He might enjoy the attention from you - the chance to be close and have some physical contact - he might just want to be a baby again - growing up can be scary. But whatever it is you will not damage him at 2.5 by helping him dress.
good luck

Per previous postings, I know he visits his Dad. Perhaps, is his Dad "teaching" him different? Or doing something that got him un-enthusiastic about it? I mean, sometimes, what I "let" my son do, is then "undone" by my well-meaning Hubby... but in total ignorance of what I am trying to teach our son, or "let" him do.... Just a thought.

For instance, my son likes to put on his own diaper cream (I give him just a drop), and it's okay with me. I'm proud of him. But, my Hubby on the other hand, doesn't 'like' him to do this...and Hubby will tell him 'no.' Then my daughter will chime in and tell Daddy "he's just trying to do it himself... Mommy lets him..." (sigh), and then so I realize I have to "explain" to my Hubby that it's okay... I don't see it as a "bad" habit.. but that our son is getting self motivated and independent and "caring" about his routines/hygiene. I like to encourage my son that way. No big deal. They are learning...

But yes, sometimes toddlers just go through spurts of changes... one minute one thing full of gusto, then next time not so much.

My son is doing that too sometimes. Other times, he refuses to change his clothes and just wants to wear the SAME thing everyday! So well...

My son is not potty training either, and I'm not in a hurry either. But sometimes, he takes off his own clothes or diaper and wants to, other times he doesn't want to AT all.
Hot and cold.

Just give him time... he's still so young to be doing it CONSISTENTLY. For my eldest child... it wasn't until 3-4 years old that she was doing it consistently. It's a process... I wouldn't worry about it. Toddlers are so fickle. He will get 'motivated' again... just make sure he is fine.. or ask him "why"... or if anything got him to "not like" changing his clothes.... ?

All the best,
Susan