Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears

Raising Lifelong Learners

We know mornings can feel like a battlefield when sensory issues and clothing collide, leaving kids (and parents!) frustrated before the day even begins. That's why this week's podcast episode dives into the heart of sensory struggles with clothes. Colleen has packed this episode with real-life advice for families navigating tactile sensitivities.

If getting dressed feels like wrestling a porcupine, you're not alone—and you're not failing! Sensory struggles are REAL signals from your child's nervous system. Sometimes clothes feel prickly, itchy, or unexpectedly uncomfortable and it can lead to meltdowns. The triggers are diverse: tactile defensiveness, unpredictability (new tags or seams), anxiety, or simply needing more control over their experiences.

Comfort First: Building a Supportive Wardrobe Colleen encourages a "comfort audit" this week: set aside 10–15 minutes with your child and sort clothing into keeps, maybes, and no ways. Let your child lead—by touch, feel, or trying on—and honor their decisions. Once you have your "green light" pieces, build a 3–5 piece comfort capsule wardrobe: fewer choices mean less morning stress.

You've got this!

Links and Resources from Today's Episode

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