Since you’ve all been privy to this, I figured we might as well make the journey together. I’m quickly realizing that the whole “getting ready for school” process isn’t so simple. The challenge we’re facing, now, is Peanut’s lack of affinity for clothes. I’ve been having a terrible time getting her dressed in the morning; it seems like every outfit is a struggle. I’m beyond lucky if she agrees to wear leggings and a t-shirt. Anything additional (a hoodie, jacket) is the wild card. Sometimes it works; mostly not.
Unfortunately for Peanut, arriving at school in undies alone is frowned upon. Not to mention impractical, given the dropping temperatures. We all know that most older New Yorkers are parenting experts, and I’m just waiting for someone to accuse me of intentionally freezing Peanut. So I’ve been wracking my brain and combing the internet, trying to come up with solutions.
One night I dressed her almost entirely in “day” clothes. She got up essentially ready for school, but still resisted the socks and outerwear. I even tried involving her in the shopping process, with a visit to Gap Kids and the promise of “pretty”, “cool” school clothes. She seemed mildly amused with the entire concept, but all that preparation was for naught. We arrived at the store and she selected three (three!) pairs of unicorn PJ’s (to complement the set we already have at home. One can never have too many unicorn PJ’s, of course).
The point is, we’re all set in terms of sleeping accoutrements.
Oh, and toddler attitude.
Of course the cutest and most fashionable mom in the neighborhood has the kid in the mismatched pjs at school. It’s a given.
As for the old folks, this year you can prepare Peanut with her own retort. Something like, “I am warmed by my mother’s love, thankyouverymuch.”
I wish I could say I had the same problem, but I think this is a girl thing. Although, my son LOVES to strip the minute he gets home and refuses to wear a shirt to bed. Does that count?
Peanut knows what she wants! I wish I had some words of wisdom. I got nothing. Maybe fleece unicorn pj’s? Not very fashionable but at least she’ll be warm, right? BTW, loving the changes around here.
Sorry but that’s so cute (from an outsider’s perspective). Sebastian could care less what he wears (for now).
Congrats on the new blog design! So perfect!
Hahaha. I love Peanut’s spunkiness! Although, I’m sure it’s not fun for you when you’re trying to get her dressed. LOL. Have you tried giving her the appearance of choices (“Would you like to wear this dress or this shirt? You decide.)
I used that on Aiden a few times when he was Peanut’s age and it worked fairly well. It made him feel as though he was really getting a choice in the matter. Then he got older and realized he could say something along the lines of, “Neither of those things. I want this one [insert something that wasn't an original choice].”
Oh toddlers.
PS. Love the new design! So lovely.
Just take the “One day will laugh about this” approach. That is how I cope with these daily toddler struggles that in the long run…won’t really matter. (at least I hope)
You have to love the feisty ones!
I was going to say the same thing as Alicia. What worked for my daughter was giving her choices so that she felt like she was in control. I always tried to make at least one of them fit her current taste (say obnoxiously pink and/or sparkly), while working for me (like putting it under something to soften the blow!).
Now that she’s a little older, I’ve had to adjust and tell her that on school days I pick out the outfits and do her hair. The weekends are all her’s.
I think unicorn PJs are perfectly acceptable in public.
Oh my – look at your new blog layout, it is divine, and I loved your old one too. goodness someone you know has a talent.
Peanut is just a bit too cute, but i understand how frustrated you must feel trying to get her to wear clothes, i wonder if she waits for you to leave and then does nudie runs? Goodness me lets hope she grows out of that before college!!
First, I love your new sophisticated look. That being said I loved your old one a s well. So, bottom line, you have good taste.
Now coming to the outfit thing. It just gets worse. I’m sorry, but I’m having a terrible time with V, she refuses to wear tights under her dresses and we end up rowing every school morning. So though I didn’t give you a solution, I hope I made you feel like on of the gang
It might be a girl thing. I only have boys and we haven’t had any wardrobe issues…yet. But boy I hope Peanut changes her mind about coats when winter comes!
LOVE your new blog design!
Have you tried warm, fuzzy Halloween costumes? We have a great children’s resale shop here in Mayberry, with fabulous choices in bumblebee, ladybug, etc outfits that are almost like a winter jacket. The dress-up aspect may appeal to her and you’ll know she’s warm. I realize living in the city may exert some subtle pressure to dress the kid well, but any mother knows a toddler will not be ruled! I used to fret about how dorky my girls dressed, but I have learned to embrace the wackiness.
I don’t miss those days, but then the days my 7th grader goes to school with greasy hair, t-shirts and cowboy boots isn’t very fun, either.