The skills a child needs to develop independence in donning socks and shoes include:

✨ Fine motor strength and coordination are needed to maintain grasping the socks and shoes.

✨ Bilateral coordination is needed to pull apart the socks and shoes.

✨ Motor planning is needed to understand how to move and position their arms and legs and understand the steps to putting on the socks and shoes.

✨ Body awareness is needed to understand where your body parts are.

✨ Core strength is needed to maintain an upright position while seated on the floor.

👀Look below for some ways I like to work on these skills!!👀

• The “Ahhhh-CHOMP” Method - all of my kiddos think this is so funny! You hold the “ahhhh” while they hold the sock or shoe open, then say “CHOMP” once they get it on their toes. It really helps make it more fun!

• Using rubber bands, scrunchies, or ponytails holders, have your child put them over their toes. You can start with larger bands that are easier to pull apart and continue to challenge your child with smaller bands!

• Use larger socks to practice and decrease frustration!

• Put items in a tube sock and practice reaching in with one hand to take items out while holding the top of the sock with other!

• Offer to complete the hard part of the task for your child, such as getting the sock over their toes or pulling the shoe over their heel, and have them complete the rest. This will help build confidence!

• If your child has difficulty sitting upright, position them with their back against the wall!

• Model putting on your socks and shoes with your child to help them under the steps and how to positing their body to complete it!