There are a lot of logistical issues with being a parent of small children, but there are a lot of them when you actually are a small child, and you can help make life easier with a couple of easy hacks. Being able to dress yourself comfortably is a huge developmental step, and having them do it competently without your input builds their independence and gives you your time back.
Today's hacking tool: the Sharpie.
Shoes
Around two, three and a little older, there's a time when they have a terrible time getting shoes on the right feet. And what does "right" feet mean? Try to explain it and you'll get into a massive breakdown about "right" vs "right" vs "left" vs "wrong." And how can they be on the wrong feet? Children are bright enough to know they've only got one set. So take the sharpie and put a dot on the inside of the shoe, on the side of the sole next to the big toe, so that when the shoes are on right, the dots can match. Some kids like to make a kissing noise. Black shoes and dark soles, use light colored nail polish.
I've done this with a ton of kids, now, and only one time have I had any problem: once, when I was a nanny, the oldest boy (4) "helped" his sister with her shoes, by making dots all over the soles, so they could kiss wherever they were. Definitely made it pointless, but adorable, too.
Clothing
Got more than one kid? Is sorting the clothes like a jail sentence? Take that sharpie and dot the clothes. I usually do the neckline, either on the tags, if they haven't been cut off, or at the seam. Oldest kid gets one dot. Next kid gets two dots, and so on. Even a toddler can help you sort, and by first grade, any kid should have this as one of his or her chores. Secondly, When the oldest outgrows that very nice coat, just add a dot and it gets handed down to the next kid in line. The workaround for black and dark colors is a little more work--I've usually just gotten a needle and bright thread and made a little dot out of a couple of stitches. A bleach stick would work, too, but be very careful.
Underwear
This is more of a challenge for little daughters—which way does underwear go on? What good is a tag in the back if you only know you're right because you don't see it? And what good is a side tag at all for anybody? Take the sharpie and put the dot (or two or three or whatever) right in the middle of the front of the waistband on the inside. Now the kid can match the dot to her bellybutton. Kissing noises optional.
