Putting on/Taking off shoes and jackets
Now, I'm trying not to be a hardass, so I need you fine ladies to tell me if I'm being too "tough". I understand that every child develops differently, but this is starting to drive me nuts!
In my care right now, I have two 3 yrs old girls and three 2yrs old boys (including my son). My son (and daughter who is now 7), have been able to at least take OFF their shoes and jackets since 2 yrs old. My son (who turned 2 this summer), can easily take off his velcro running shoes and can sometimes put them on but might need some help with that. He then puts them neatly on the mat and hangs up his sweater by the hoodie.
The other two toddlers in my care haven't the slightest idea on how to remove their shoes and coats. When we all pile in from outside I have them all sit down to remove their shoes and they literally just sit there. I encourage them to take off their shoes and even show them how to get it started (opening velcro and pulling the heel down), but they STILL just sit there. I've even resorted to sending the others off to play while continuing to encourage them to take off their shoes "so you can go play!" forup to 10 min, but they don't even try or do a clear half ass attempt. And when it comes to their jackets i've shown them many times how to unzip their jackets but I know they are just waiting for me to do it which I'll admit after a while, I do because we need to move on with our day. These are both first borns, and so I know Mom and Dad just do it for them probably without a second thought, assumingthey are not capable.
I feel though, from my own experience that they should definitely be able to at least take off their shoes and coats at 2 yrs old...I'm not expecting them to be able to put them on quite yet because I know that's more difficult and requires more fine motor skill and coordination, but taking off is easy!! And neither of these boys have any sort of delay in motor skills.
What do you think??