Prep Ahead Outfit

Your Child Will Learn

How to plan ahead to make their morning routine easier

Here’s What to Do

1. Invite your child to choose their clothes for the next day.
2. Find a spot where your child can put their outfit each night. Show your child where they’ll find their clothes every morning.
3. Every night before bed, check the weather forecast for the next day. Talk with your child about what kind of clothes they’ll need to wear to be ready for the weather.
4. Let your child choose what to wear. If it doesn’t bother you, your child doesn’t have to match!

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Stand next to your getting-clothes-ready spot. Hold each others’ hands and take a deep breath.

ENGAGE

• “Tomorrow it’s going to be cold outside. What do you need to wear when it’s cold?”
• “Great! You’d like to wear that shirt. What pants would you like to wear with it? I like the way the green shirt goes with those jeans.”

ENCOURAGE

• Let your child pick socks and underwear. They don’t have to match and they’re right for any season!
• If you’re concerned about your child’s choices, give them 2 or 3 options to pick between. “Would you like the butterfly shirt or the rainbow shirt?”

REFLECT

• Talk about your child’s feelings towards their clothes and problem-solve together if necessary.

Not Quite Ready

Start by giving your child one small choice (like: socks). Add more choices over time.

Ready for More

Prep other things you’ll need for the next day (like: shoes, jacket, hat, mittens, umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.).

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will understand how to choose appropriate clothing and practice planning ahead.

Time to Complete

10 minutes

Materials Needed

Clothing