Parenting Tips for Preschoolers
2019 Jan 30 | by Apple Barretto
Sometimes, it may seem like kids have the innate ability to push any parent to the outer edge of their patience, and that’s on a good day. Not a baby anymore, not even a toddler, the little one is now a preschooler. Your kid is on what is often called the Wonder Years.
Preschoolers are known for their overflowing energy and curious minds which keep parents on their toes all the time. This is the stage when they get to learn more and acquire new skills. As wonderful as it may sound, but as a parent of a preschooler, you know how challenging it is to match the never-ending energy levels.
Your child tests her limits with you because she trusts you will love her no matter what. But that doesn’t mean you can’t borrow a few strategies from the preschool teachers’ playbook to get the best from your child.
Fret not, moms and dads of Pueblo de Oro. You’re not alone on this. Preschoolers want to own their newfound independence. However, they also need the close attention and love of their parents. Here are some helpful parenting tips for preschoolers:
- Encourage Independence
Most people have a way of living up to expectations, in this case, preschoolers included. At home, parents are there to wipe and clean after various activities such as eating or playing. You are there to help them to wash their hands before and after their meal. However, while in preschool you can’t be there with them. Encourage them to be independent so they can wipe their mouth or nose, or wash their hands on their own. This develops their sense of responsibility and independence, which will be helpful for them in the coming years.
- Set a Routine
Having a set routine for various activities such as playing, meal, snack, sleep, etc., is important. Not only will it teach discipline to the kid, but it will also help parents efficiently manage their time. Kids cooperate in school because they know what’s expected of them. If children essentially follow the same routine day after day, they quickly learn what they are supposed to do, and after a while, they barely need reminding. While it would be impractical to have the same level of structure at home, the more consistent you are, the more cooperative your child is likely to be, and eventually these “house rules” will become second nature to him/her.
- Lighten the Mood
If your child refuses to do something, try turning it into a game. Children tend to be stubborn if you are too strict with them. Discipline should not be confused with strictness. Humor and games are two great tools that parents sometimes forget about in the heat of the moment. Instead of getting angry, talk to them in a friendly manner, win their trust, so they can communicate with you without fear. It will also help you to have a strong bond with them. Communication skills of toddlers are equally important. The clearer their communication skills are, the better they will fare with other kids and teachers once they start commuting to a preschool.
- Don’t Delay Discipline
If you must reprimand your child, do so when you see them misbehaving. Try to find the right balance that is neither too strict nor too soft. Parents shouldn’t put a blind eye to their child’s tantrums, instead, direct them to do something else if they are throwing their tantrum over something. The best way is to identify the cause of such behavior. Additionally, putting your preschooler in charge of a regular, simple task will build her confidence and sense of competency. The goal is to make your child feel like a capable, contributing member of the family.
- Understand That They Are Still Children
Many parents expect way too much out of their children. Try to understand that they are still at a delicate learning stage, and, they are still kids. Don’t expect them to understand everything you tell them immediately. Have patience and let them learn at their own pace. If, for example, your 3-year-old refuses to sit at the dinner table, you might offer the choice of sitting and getting dessert. At first, your child may not make the right choice, but eventually they will, because they’ll see that the wrong choice isn’t getting them what they want. The important thing is that you encourage them to learn and keep on trying. You need to find out what interests and motivates them.