Clothing fasteners can be tricky for children who have difficulties grasping, using both hands together in a coordinated way, and following step by step instructions.

Practice unbuttoning and unzipping first. Once they are able to unfasten, practice fastening buttons and zipper. Practice using loose fitted clothing. If your child has trouble latching a zipper, latch it for him/her and pull the zipper up a little. Then have your child pull up the zipper the remainder of the way. Practice tying shoes by placing a shoe on the table or floor in front of the child. You can help your child using verbal, physical, and visual help. Don’t rush the child and give them positive feedback as they practice.

Pause the video below and have your child practice buttoning, zipping, and shoe tying.