31/2 year old girl refuses to wear clothes

Nicole - posted on 04/21/2010

My cousin fought wearing clothes until she was 5 years old.
My aunt dealt with it in that if it was just her, her brother, Mom and Dad she could go naked as a Jay bird (with the exception of her diaper and eventually underwear).
If there was company coming she had to wear clothes for the meal and then she would eventually strip back down to her undies.
She had to wear clothes to play outside and to go shopping (basically when she left the house she had to wear clothes no exceptions).
She started wearing clothes because she was told they wouldn't let her go to kindergarten if she didn't wear any.

Don't sweat it. It's a phase some children go through. Just keep your foot down when it comes to going outside to play or out anywhere in public. If she wants to come she MUST wear clothes or you will find someone to stay with her while you go out.
If need be find a friend or relative to make good on this threat so she knows you are serious. Don't get upset over it, don't make a big deal about it. Just be clear about what your expectations are for when clothing is a definite requirement.

With both the OT and the pediatrician finding nothing wrong, I am more inclined to believe this is a phase, that being said if things get worse by all means go back to one or the other or both.

Good luck!

Louise - posted on 04/21/2010

Are you sure your daughter is not using this as a control. If she sees mummy get stressed out because she does not want to wear clothes then she knows she has 100% of your attention. Tomorrow morning set out her clothes for the day and when she gets out of bed attempt to put them on. When she kicks up a fuss just walk away. Totally ignore her if she comes for a cuddle just say put on your clothes and then we will have a cuddle. She may sit and scream just gnore the behaviour. If she makes any attempt to put on her clothes go overboard on the praise. Hopefully she wll learn that mummy will give her more attention if she gets dressed. Tell her that you are gong to the park tomorro so you have to put your clothes on so we can go. If she gets dressed off to the park you go if she refuses then she gets no reward. This is tough love but I am a strong believer that children do like to dominate mums I have sen it time and time again as I am a preschool teacher. Good behaviour gets positive praise and bad behaviour gets ignored! Don't stress out and see if this has any effect.

Shivangi - posted on 04/21/2010

Hi there. I can somewhat relate. My daughter is 3 yrs old and she too sometimes will not want to wear her clothes. I try and force the clothes on her but she is strong willed and so will immediately take them off. After many attempts, I just let her be..yes, she cries and throws a temper tantrum but I let her. Eventually she'll come and hug me and we might get to put back the clothes on her. I am sorry but don't have any advise for you but just to let you know..I feel your frustration. Hang in there! I hope you find a solution to your problem.