In a Montessori environment, independence is at the heart of everything we do. Allowing children the time and space to use their own hands when getting dressed fosters confidence, coordination, and problem-solving skills. While it can sometimes be tempting to step in and do it for them, each button they fasten, each shoe they put on, and even each struggle they overcome is a meaningful step toward self-sufficiency.
By engaging in these daily routines, toddlers strengthen their fine motor skills, develop patience, and gain a sense of accomplishment. They also learn how to care for themselves, an essential component of Montessori’s Practical Life curriculum. When we resist the urge to do it for them, we send a powerful message: We believe in their capabilities.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to use both hands with confidence and coordination. Self-dressing is a natural and meaningful way to develop this skill, as it requires children to use both hands together. Pulling up pants, zipping a jacket, fastening buttons, and putting on shoes all strengthen bilateral coordination, which is essential for writing, cutting, and other daily tasks as children grow.
Encouraging self-dressing in the toddler years also lays an important foundation for the Primary program. In Primary, children are expected to manage their clothing independently, including changing shoes, putting on coats, and dressing for the weather. Supporting these skills now helps ensure a smoother transition, giving children the confidence to take ownership of their daily routines.
Of course, support and encouragement are always welcome—offering choices, breaking tasks into steps, or modeling movements can help. But ultimately, the goal is to empower them to take pride in their abilities and enjoy the process of learning through doing.