Mom’s battle with toddler wardrobe choices proves a universal parenting truth (and it’s hilarious)

There’s a specific kind of standoff that happens in households with toddlers—and no, it’s not about bedtime or broccoli. It’s about wardrobe choices.

In a viral TikTok from creator and mom Emma Kay (@emma.kay.brown), we meet Capri, a toddler with strong fashion opinions and an even stronger attachment to her princess dresses. The video opens with Kay gently pleading:

“You want to wear a princess dress again? Capri, can we wear one of the million summer outfits I just bought you like a month ago?”

Capri’s response? Sweet, simple, and unwavering:

“I just want… the princess dresses.”

She’s sure of what she wants. And for parents watching, it’s a deeply familiar moment. The comments section quickly filled with solidarity and smiles:

• @Dove Beauty & Personal Care: “You gave birth to a princess and now you’re officially her royal assistant 👑”
  
• @nicholeraes_: “Hahaha! We are in the same stage!”
  
• @Mandy: “My daughter was like this with tutu’s. She wore one every single day. I miss that stage so much 😭”

@emma.kay.brown I know this stage won’t last long but please believe when I say I let her wear the princess dresses 6/7 days a week. 😂🎀👸🏽 #mom #girlmom #girlmomlife #toddlermom #relatablemom #momhumor #toddlerlife ♬ Funny Song – Funny Song Studio & Thomas Hewitt Jones & Sounds Reel

Why toddlers fixate on certain outfits

This stage of development—where toddlers insist on wearing the same dress, hat, or even Halloween costume day after day—isn’t about fashion. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), this kind of behavior is a normal expression of autonomy. Around age two or three, children start to assert independence through choices, including what they wear.

When toddlers show a strong preference for one outfit, it can be a sign that they’re discovering their identity and experimenting with how they relate to the world. Familiar items also provide comfort, especially when so many things in their daily lives feel outside their control.

Related: Toddler picks up mom’s nickname for dad… and won’t stop using it

A lesson in letting go (just a little)

Emma’s video captures something many parents eventually learn: sometimes, it’s easier—and more meaningful—to embrace the dress-up phase than fight it. Capri gets to feel empowered, and Emma gets a laugh and a memory.

But that doesn’t mean parents need to surrender all boundaries. The AAP encourages caregivers to offer limited choices (“Do you want to wear your pink dress or your polka-dot shirt?”), which supports autonomy while keeping daily routines manageable.

How to handle toddler fashion negotiations with humor and grace

If your child is deep in their “I only wear tutus” era, you’re far from alone. Here are a few ways to navigate the phase with less stress:

• Offer two acceptable options to avoid power struggles.
  
• Save favorite outfits for indoors or special times if outdoor play could lead to tears over stains.
  
• Let them play stylist with a dress-up box. This can reduce resistance when you need them to wear something else.
  
• Capture the memories—photos and videos like Emma’s will become treasures.

In Emma’s own words:

“I know this stage won’t last long, but please believe when I say I let her wear the princess dresses 6/7 days a week.”

And honestly? That feels like a win for both mom and toddler.

Related: Mom and dad talk behind their toddler’s back—her reaction is unforgettable