They may be able to do simple tasks like taking off socks or a coat. As children get older, they become able to take on more and more dressing tasks. By five years of age, most children are able to dress themselves completely, with the exception of tying shoelaces. Some children take more time than necessary getting dressed. This does not include children who have simply not mastered the skills necessary to dress themselves completely.
Some children poke and stall for other reasons.
This can be very frustrating for parents, especially when slow dressers disrupt the schedule of the rest of the household. Here are some things parents can do to help their children develop good dressing habits. The most effective way for parents to deal with dressing problems is to take steps to prevent them. Parents should start early, teaching good habits as soon as their children begin to show an interest in dressing themselves. Parents should reward their children's appropriate dressing behavior with praise.