Raising Independent Little Ones—It Starts with Getting Dressed

One of the most rewarding things about raising kids is watching them discover what they're capable of. From the moment they can toddle around, they’re eager to try things on their own—and as parents, it's our job (even when it’s hard!) to let them. Independence doesn’t happen overnight, but those little milestones, like getting dressed by themselves or picking up their toys, are the foundation for bigger life skills down the road.

I remember so clearly when my boys were younger—dressing themselves was a big deal. They were determined to do it, but let's be honest: jeans and shirts with buttons can be tricky when you're small. My boys especially loved their shirts with buttons, just like their farmer grandfather wore, and even though it took time and patience (sometimes a lot of patience), I’m so glad we embraced the challenge. Today, they are independent young men who face challenges head-on. Watching them grow into self-sufficient people makes me grateful we started those lessons early, even with something as simple as getting dressed.

I truly believe that encouraging independence in our kids, starting young, shapes who they become. It teaches them to keep trying, to problem-solve, and to be proud of their accomplishments. And one day, I hope my boys will look back and realize that learning to do the “little things” helped them chase after the big things in life. I hope they remember that their mom was always cheering them on, telling them to aim high and never settle.

That’s exactly why we include a twirl dress in every NovaBox. We didn’t choose it just because it’s cute (though it definitely is!) and comfortable—it’s also practical and perfect for building independence. This little girls dress is designed without buttons or zippers—just slip it off the hanger and on your little one, and she’s ready to go for the day. The NovaBox twirl dress is more than just adorable; it’s a wonderful way to help little girls learn the skill of dressing themselves, building their confidence one easy morning at a time.

Teaching independence can start with something as simple as a dress—but the lessons it brings will last a lifetime.