Getting dressed and late for school

by Lisa Carroll
(Flagstaff, Az US)

My 5 YO grandson was diagnosed with SID last year. In the beginning of the school year he spent every single day in the principles office for fighting with other kids. His psychiatrist diagnosed him with ADHD also and we started him on Ritalin. Since then he hasn't had to go to the principles office one time. We work very closely with the school and support team ie; PT, OT, ST and more. A huge problem my daughter and I have with my grandson is getting him ready for school.




It is always a battle to get him dressed. He hits, kicks, screams, bites and cries often. But every once in a while he'll just get dressed with no problem at all. We never know what kind of morning he is going to have until that morning. So on these mornings when he refuses to get dressed we are often late for school. His teachers are really coming down hard on us for this and acting like we are not being good parent/grandparents because he is often late. My daughter is very distressed over the way his teachers are treating her as we have explained to them the problem we are having but they don't seem to understand.

What do we do ? We obviously can't take him to school in his PJ's. We can't let him wear the same shirt he wore the day before when it is dirty. What is a good way to deal with him not wanting to get dressed in the morning. And also brushing his teeth and taking him medication can cause some delay in getting him to school on time. We just never know and would like for the teachers to lighten up on us. Its a constant challenge for us with my grandson. He is by nature the sweetest, kindest, most gentle little boy, but when he is acting up its we often are just in awe not knowing what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions. We really need them. thanks



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Oct 28, 2014
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Help "to tight "
by: sad nana

My grandson is 3 and goes to preschool which he loves but every morning it is a very big struggle will not get dressed everything is to tight no matter how loose his shoes are is shirts its to tight it is a fight every morning then this morning was bad screaming and crying so i held him and rocked him and talked to him him 10 minutes of this until he was done. then it was hurry out the door for school, once we got there he was fine. It was like he wasn't even the same boy.Help !!!!!

Oct 15, 2012
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Dress in clean clothes before bed
by: Anonymous

My son is seven now, but when he was five the only way to be dressed in time was to sleep in the clothes. It helped the mornings so much. My son needs at least a half hour just to eat, and it takes a long time to get the socks and shoes on. One thing that really helps the morning transition nowadays is a warm bath in the morning. I just accept that the morning routine will take at least an hour and plan on being at school 10-15 minutes early.... then if we have a delay my stress level does not increase and I can be cool with his delays.

Nov 28, 2011
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Dress before Bed
by: Anonymous

I am certainly no expert on the dressing issue as we are currently struggling too. Our son is 10 and he has been struggling the last few weeks with wearing a shirt. I do not allow him to be late for school and actually will walk him to the bus without a shirt on. Sometimes natural consequences are best and they are smart enough to know its cold outside. He also struggles at times with his socks and boots. When he gets to school, he puts them on. (staff assisted) He knows he cannot go into the classroom until he is dressed. I also have started putting a shirt on him while he sleeps and it seems to help when he wakes up with it on.

Nov 15, 2011
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hope this helps
by: Anonymous

I can give you a few suggestions. Give him a choice between two shirts, two pants etc. the night before. Let him have a little control that way he knows what to expect in the morning. If socks are a problem see if you can get him to sleep in them and then you don't have too deal with it in the morning. Have him brush his teeth before he goes to bed and then if its a rough morning just skip the brushing. I know dentists will hate me for that suggestion, but seriously it won't be the end of the world. I had spd as a kid and mornings were the hardest time because that is when you are most sensitive. Just the fact you are trying to find ways too help ease what he is going through shows you are a loving person and that is what helps the most. Best wishes!

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