Ah yes, the rush to get out to the school bus morning and afternoon is the part of the day I dread! So hard to rush a toddler! My 2 year old daughter is one of the most independent and stubborn children I know, so she can do everything herself including her coat zipper, but I know I have to allow a little extra time because she refuses to let me help...I have another girl her age who is similar. The boys are more like "I can't" and want me to do it. I have a new 2 year old boy who refused to do anything when he started, but is now happily taking off his shoes and jacket etc (on is still a struggle, but we're working on it)...I made it fun with lots of encouragement and high fives and fun "Let's see how fast you can get those shoes off...push push push them off!" and I showed him exactly where to put his fingers and how to push them off etc. Then I made sure to mention it to his mom, who said "I know...he now refuses to let me do it for him at home" So my only suggestions are to make it fun, maybe a race with a sticker for the first one done (and then you may need to give stickers to each as they finish so they don't give up). Winter is coming...blahhhhh...