Hello!

“My 2 and 1/2yr old often refuses to get dressed in the morning and will spend most of the day in her pajamas until she feels like getting changed. I’ve let her do this as I don’t think it’s worth forcing her to get dressed but I’ve got some pretty judgmental looks and overheard a few comments from people when we’ve gone out. Should I be making her get dressed? She gets very distressed if I do. ” Should I make my toddler get dressed?

Posted by anon, 15/04/13

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  • Judgy people drive me nuts lol. Honestly, I say pick your battles. Its not hurting anyone if she doesn’t get changed until later so who cares what anyone else thinks.. Its really not their business. Once she’s older she won’t want to wear her PJs to school…… hopefully haha


  • First of all ignore the judgemental looks & comments ! I agree that forcing makes no sense especially since let her do this for a long time. I would also take it step by step and maybe buy some easy comfy clothes (like joggers) together with her and praise her when she does get into her clothes.
    Another option is that you make a morning routine chart with stickers and maybe a wee reward. For example; wake up, toilet, breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, brush hair


  • I wouldn’t judge anyone who’s out with a pj clad toddler (we’ve all been there). However, you might want to break the habit before she gets older. Try letting her pick her own clothes out – that might help.


  • No, I wouldn’t force it, especially as she gets so distressed. Have you tried bribery? Eg you can’t visit donut king for a fairy donut in your pyjamas. Or aim to just changer her top or bottom before going out. Half dressed is better then not dressed


  • Maybe just get her to change one thing. one goal.


  • Kids are kids.
    Sometimes even as an adult I don’t want to get dressed, I’m comfortable in my bed clothes!
    However at some point she is going to have to get dressed when she wakes up (kindy, school, etc) so start trying to get her out of this habit now but try to meet her halfway.
    For example, if she gets up & gets dressed without a hassle all week every Sunday you could have a Mummy & Daughter pyjama day with her! Give her an incentive.
    Best of luck.


  • Good answers! It was interesting reading the comments on this!


  • Maybe just let her wear more ‘daytime appropriate’ clothes to bed? people can be judgey as hell and not you or your daughter need that kind of drama! Do what makes you happy!


  • Just bit by bit and help her along the way!! Good Luck!!


  • How did you go? Has she grown out the the stage?


  • What did you decide to do?


  • only if you need to


  • How are you going now?


  • I would be starting now, for no other reason then to get the foundations set for what will become a daily routine moving forward.


  • I would probably start making her get dressed once she wakes up, a little bit at a time


  • If they are capable to do so there is no harm in getting them started.


  • I think it is good to get them into this at an early stage, or it will be harder later.


  • I would because it is easy to form good habits then break bad ones. Before you know it you will have to get up and get ready for kindy


  • I would, just so that it is easier for school etc and to set an example. good luck! (oh and you can get pj tops that you could wear out – keep them as going out tops- if its an issue with softness etc.)


  • Hope its gotten easier for you to get her to change our of her jammies


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