Velcro. Slip-on shoes. Elastic. It seems that the convenience simplified clothing has changed the development of children's fine motor skills. Most children's clothing these days do not have snaps, buttons, zippers, or ties. This eliminates opportunity to practice fine motor coordination and self-help skills.
From an occupational therapist's point of view, these skills are essential to motor development and independent dressing skills. A child should be able to zipper a large, fastened zipper between 18-24 months. They should be able to unbutton and button large buttons between 2-3 years old and snaps closer to 2 1/2-3 years. Putting on socks by themselves should occur around 4 years of age. Shoe-tying develops between 5-6 years old.
Think about your child's wardrobe. Do they have clothing that have buttons, zippers, and/or shoe laces? If not, think about using some old clothes as "dress up" play items for your child to practice, or perhaps buying more clothing with fasteners next shopping trip. For younger children, there are many stuffed animals on the marker that have various fasteners for practicing these skills in a fun way!
Powered by Compendium
Comments for To tie or not to tie... that is the question!?!?