5 Yr Old "Uncomfortable" with Certain Clothing and Acting Out - HELP!

HI, both of my boys did that! My 6 year old does the same thing now. Some of it is control, some of it is truly he does not like the way certain clothes feel. At least for mine it truly is that they cannot stand the "rocks in the socks" (that is what they called it) feeling of the stich line (the ends that have the stringover the toe.. I can't explain it, I agree it really feels like a small rock in the socks..but it is a valid complaint!. I have to buy no line socks without that stich line (easy to find- gap, old navy, tony hawk, some addidas)
They are also sensitive to certain shirts, underware, and even some pants. Mosly it is the tags, and sewn on logos etc...It is not fun, but I make them try on clothes before I purchase and make them let me know how it feels. It somewhat kills 2 birds with 1 stone. They can conrol what they own to wear, (i obviously only show them clothes I would buy and they pick from that) It sounds like I am spoiling them... but my 6 year olds preschool teachers son did have a valid sensory disorder, and clothes was a big part of that. My son had the same exact problems her son did. He also had more severe issues with other sensory things, but the clothing truly can be a problem as well. The extended temper tantrum... that is a control thing. (we still have those once and a while).
Hang in there. Good luck. hopefully this helped you some... It is not fun and can be VERY frustrating. our pediatrician helped us with that too:)

Our 4 yr old...everything is tight! We have daily tantrums about tight clothes...good luck! Her techers said it is normal and not to worry

My daughter started to tell me at 5 yr. old that she "didn't like the way it feels" when wearing certain clothing. It is completely normal, but it definitely is another way for the kids to assert their independence.

I now take my daughter shopping with me at the beginning of the season so she can try everything on. If we buy it, that's that. No taking it back and buying new clothes. If she runs out of clothes during the week because nothing feels good, that is her problem - she has to find something to wear on her own.

I have her help pick out her clothes the night before and give her a time limit to get ready for school. If she is not dressed, I've told her I will take her to school in her pj's. It hasn't happened yet, but I'm sure it would only take one time and it would never be a problem again.

Check out Love and Logic. Their approach makes sense and shows kids that actions have logical consequences. We just have to be willing to give those consequences. Many schools around here use this approach.

Good Luck

I think it is normal because my daughter started kindergarten this year and has become moody and tried to throw temper tantrums of a sort lately. She thinks if she cries, she will get her way. I don't care for this moody child that comes home everyday. I've considered taking her out of public school and putting her in our church school. I think she's playing off the moods of some of the kids in her class who are allowed to whine and complain about everything.

At any rate, I think you are handling it correctly just don't let it go on for an hour. Tell him that is what he's wearing or let him pick it out. Tell him he has five minutes. Then that's that. If he starts to get in a tizzy, tell him you love him, but it is not acceptable. He's not a baby and put him in his bed and walk out. If he cries he cries.

Each night ask him to pick things out, ask if something is bothering him, then end things quickly.

5 is about the age some of these things come out- it sounds like a sensory integration issue to me..does he have his 5 year pe coming up? Perhaps you could ask his pediatrician for an OT/PT eval. Good luck!

What an intelligent little man. Stay firm. Don't give in to him or he'll run you both into the ground by the time he's a teen. I use to fold my kids clothes by "the outfit", sox included. That's the choice. Whichever complete outfit they picked. Most of this is a game with your son anyway so don't give him too many choices or he'll just take longer stringing you around.

Oh wow. Can I just say I'm so glad not to be the only one who has a child like this? My daughter has always been particular about clothes and I almost never buy clothes without her there. We have to open packages of socks in the stores to try them on and even then she sometimes changes her mind when it comes to wearing them at home. She also doesn't care for jeans (though she'll wear them once in a while), eleastic on her arms, ruffles, or lace. It also has to "match". We ended up running to Target on Sunday morning before church to buy a top for the skirt she wanted to wear. She did need more tops anyway, but I didn't feel like fighting her on it. She's turning 5 soon, and I may bring it up at her doctor visit.

For those with the sock seam problem, I have found that sometimes it helps to turn the socks inside out.

Hi L.,

If most of the temper tantrums are occuring because of clothing issues, my guess is that he may have some sensory issues. I felt like you were describing my daughter who is 6 yrs. old. Her clothing issues began around 3 yrs. old.... and we still deal with it but it is usually handled better now. (I think because with experience, I gain understanding of the whole problem.)

My daughter hates jeans, tights, courdorys, tights, socks, most shoes, most underwear, clothing with seams, socks with seams, long sleeves,coats, tight material/bands around waist and arms. I, myself, cannot stand some fabrics, but it is not as intense as my daughters.

So... if this is the case with your son.... focus on what he does feel comfortable in. If he likes a certain pair of sweat pants... then go out and buy all the colors that come in that style! Find socks that your son will wear and then go back and buy a few more packages.

If you think it's not all about gaining control and more about how the clothing feels on him, then..... google sensory processing and you may learn somethings that you can apply to your son.

I could go on and on about this topic... if you think it he is acting out because the clothes don't feel good. Send me a message if you think it is.... and I'll share more ideas with you... if you want.

Oh... and could you have possibly changed your laundry detergent? I did this once and realized the laundry was not as soft and it made a difference in my daughter's temperment. I went back to using the more expensive stuff!

Good luck,
J.

did you ever get your son some OT therapy for his sensory issues? I am sorry I am so late in responding to this I. I hope you found some answers.
J.