Ask the parenting pros
“Why won’t my kid wear anything I pick out?”
Whether it’s the color, the ‘feel’, or just a random Wednesday mood, why can getting your kid dressed can devolve into a full-blown battle? Power struggles over clothes are a common rite of passage, and are often a kid’s way of expressing independence (and chaos). According to a Parenting magazine, 70% of parents report frequent fashion battles with their preschoolers.
So, what’s a sleep-deprived, style-loving parent to do? Read this.
Action Plan:
Winning the Wardrobe Wars (With Fewer Tears)
“Do you want the rainbow leggings or the blue jeans today?” Giving your child two options gives them a sense of control without turning your morning into a runway showdown. According to clinical psychologist and founder of Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids, Dr. Laura Markham, offering choices is a powerful way to reduce defiance and build cooperation.
Itchy tags, tight waistbands, or bulky seams can trigger tantrums in sensory-sensitive kids. According to the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, children with sensory processing challenges are more likely to reject clothing for physical reasons, not just pickiness. Opt for soft, stretchy fabrics and seamless basics—and keep scissors handy for tags.
So, your daughter wants to rock a striped-green tee and a sequin tutu to school photo day? Resilience expert, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, recommends asking yourself: Does this affect their health, safety, or values? If the answer is no, it might be time to grant your kid some creative expression (and plan on using that photo as blackmail leverage when they hit the teenage years!).
Kids love to feel important. So, let them help fold their clothes, pick outfits the night before, or organize their own drawers. Giving kids more ownership over their clothes can reduce resistance and build independence.
Special events? School concert day? These are the days you prep together. Let them know in advance what’s expected. Clear expectations + collaboration = fewer last-minute standoffs. Above all, remember: this is a phase, not a fashion rebellion for life. Your kid is learning to assert themselves, make decisions, and maybe even discover their personal style.
Kid-approved clothes for even the pickiest dressers!
