diff --git a/python/tk_multi_publish2/publish_tree_widget/publish_tree_widget.py b/python/tk_multi_publish2/publish_tree_widget/publish_tree_widget.py
index ca28313f..54e9870d 100644
--- a/python/tk_multi_publish2/publish_tree_widget/publish_tree_widget.py
+++ b/python/tk_multi_publish2/publish_tree_widget/publish_tree_widget.py
@@ -120,13 +120,13 @@ def _build_item_tree_r(self, item, checked, level, tree_parent):
             ui_task = TreeNodeTask(task, ui_item)
             self.__created_items.append(ui_task)
 
+        for child in item.children:
+            self._build_item_tree_r(child, checked, level + 1, ui_item)
+
         # ensure the expand indicator is shown/hidden depending on child
         # visibility
         ui_item.update_expand_indicator()
 
-        for child in item.children:
-            self._build_item_tree_r(child, checked, level + 1, ui_item)
-
         # lastly, handle the item level check state.
         # if the item has been marked as checked=False
         # uncheck it now (which will affect all children)