What do I do about my preschooler who is suddenly bothered by all of her clothes?

Question

And I mean ALL of her clothes. She hates them all - they "tickle" her. We're talking about clothes that she's never had a problem with before now. She used to wear some of these outfits every few days without any problem. Now every day is a battle with trying to get clothes on her. I was letting her run around in just underwear for a while, but she's almost 4, so I don't see this as being an appropriate solution for much longer. Aside from that, we still go through the clothing battle when we need to go out, anyway. Has anyone had this problem? What worked for you? I've tried being compassionate, being strict, buying new clothes, turning clothes inside-out (which bothers her even more), and telling her that if she wants to be naked she has to stay in her room (she hates to be alone). I know that this will eventually pass, but just wondered if there's a way to make it a little less painful!

Answer 1

Try to make as little fuss about it as possible. Tell her firmly that she will get dressed and do it. Do not argue or discuss it at all. When she is dressed tell her what a good girl she is!

Answer 2

Been there. My daughter went through this phase in kindergarten last year. Same thing, completely out of the blue everything was too tight, underware, jeans, shirts, coats everything. Everyday was a battle. We went shopping and kept trying until she found some clothes she was happy with - they ended up being 1 size too big to make her happy. I don't think my experience had anything to do with her clothes. It was a power issue. She looked ridiculous for a few months and the other children at school asked her about her drooping jeans, ect. I think it took about 6 months for this phase to end. I cried a lot and yelled at her out of frustration. Everyone , including Grandma & Grandpa had had it! For us it did get better. Just compromise on some things, but not all of it. If she just wears panties at home that may not be a big deal Obviously she must wear something when she's out! But while she's going through this phase maybe give yourself a break from the arguing and give in at home. Hang in there. When kindergarten starts hopefully she will get excited about buying some "big girl" clothes. Keep in mind she is probably trying to get her way and nothing more. She's probably just a strong willed little girl! In the mean time good luck!

Answer 3

This could have started because of a scratchy label in the back or an uncomfortable outfit. I had to cut out all of the labels in my son's clothes. Do you use fabric softener and scented detergent? Many people have reactions to them as well as to bleach. I use Tide Free and no fabric softener because my husband complained about being itchy when I used the reg. stuff.
It may just be a stage she's going through.

Answer 4

My 3 y/o son has often complained of the clothes tickling him. I get the scissors and make a big deal out of cutting off the labels on the clothes, while they are still on him. He stands very still and when he sees the label in my hand, runs off happy. Sometimes its hard to get all the label off without cutting the fabric, so you're left with a frayed edge. This, I would think would 'bother' him more, but apparently it doesn't. He's happy because he 'thinks' I fixed it.

My son takes his shoes and pants off when we get home. I understand the shoes, but the pants? Also, he has several jackets/coats but refuses to wear any of them, except his favorite sweatshirt type 'green one'. Bawl, bawl, bawl, battle, battle.
I hope for all our sake it ends soon, Lol. Good luck.

Answer 5

nope its a phase my 4 year old is going through this now nothing please him and letting her be naked WOW that is why she is putting on a bigger fight now bc that is what she wants she want no clothes on so she is battling you so she can be that way so you just go to keep putting your foot down do not let her be that way and yes if you do keep doing what you are doing tell her she has to stay in the bed room. I tried putting overalls on my kid the other day and he tried throwing them out GOD never did get those overalls on i just picked somthing out and said if you do not get dressed then you go be in your ROOM he hates to be alone too so that is what probably will work with your kid just put her in her room until she is ready to get dressed That is what i do its either the room my child or the corner he HATES both so it works for me just keep being constiant if she starts to fight just say fine dont wear your clothers but you are not to leave this room until you are ready to get dresses AND mean it do it be constiant. Once this fighting stops and she starts getting dressed and behaves enough for awile then maybe you can let her pick what she wants like take out two outfits out and tell now which TWO of theese do you want to wear today. that is later until she can behave well enough without fighting you.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

Try your hardest to get her into some clothes and then take her to where you usually buy her clothes. Ask her exactly what kind of clothes she would like. Tell her if she does not pick out clothes she will not be able to do something. Start taking things she likes away from her if she still refuses to put on clothes.

Answer 7

Could she be sensitive to a detergent or fabric softener?? Maybe - all cotton- clothes or materials that are soft would help= w the cold weather- velour would be nice- and clothing that feels llike soft cotton tee shirt material or the like- I have a 5 year old that starts K next year( missed cut off date) she likes live in her underwear-but she will put on clothes-patience, patience= take care- D

Answer 8

It could be the detergent. Or she may be being "tickled" by the tags on the clothes.

My little brother was like that. My mon just cut the tags off.

Answer 9

well she is 4 my niece is that same age and doing the same thing we have tried everything but no matter what she ends up naked just ingnore it we tryed that one this weekend and when there was know one telling her to put her clothes on and running around behind her she kinda just stopped and later that night when she got out of the bath she put clothes on all by herself we lay them out every night and sunday night was the frist time she put them on without us telling her to i guess we all just have to sit back and hope it passes soon cause that kinda is a werid one best of luck to you

Answer 10

if she doesnt like going to the doctors tell her that if ALL her clothes are tickling her than u need to see a doctor. hopefully if she is just giving u a hard time and they really dont tickle her she'll give it up not wanting to see the doctor.. =)