Positive Parenting Tips

Preschool is definitely a milestone for children, but it is also a turning point for parents too.  Your baby has officially graduated to spending their days learning colors, shapes and letters.  Long gone are the days of tummy time and bottles.  Hello, new world of sippy cups and playground time.       

Preschool is an adjustment for parents, though, because this is really when children begin to open up.  They become more independent and more aware of the word around them.  They become inquisitive and really start to develop their own unique personalities.  

General Tips     

While the basics of parenting remain the same, you’re dealing with a preschooler now.  Children between the ages of three and five can start to take part in simple chores around the house.  During these chores, it is suggested that parents help their children develop good language skills by speaking to them in full and complete sentences.  Help them use proper words and grammar.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests reading to preschool children at an increased cadence since they are so susceptible to everything around them.  Disciplining should be extremely clear and concise during this age because this is when they start to understand right from wrong.

Safety First     

Safety is usually at the forefront of a parent’s mind, but remember preschoolers are more mobile than before.  Explanations about why they should hold hands when crossing the street, why it’s important to wear a helmet and why they should never talk to strangers are imperative at this age.

Health     

Preschool is also infamous for unhealthy snack times.  Let your preschooler see you enjoying the healthier things in life like fruits and veggies.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggest a limited amount of screen time for preschoolers.  Age appropriate play equipment, and plenty of outdoor time is crucial to personality and social development.  In today’s society, children are engaging with social media and tablets at an extremely early age.  It is highly important children at the preschool age understand how to properly communicate…without a keyboard.     

Preschool is an amazing time for children where they learn some of the building blocks of academia and life.  In order to make sure your child gets the most out of their class time, make sure you form a relationship with your preschooler that is open and honest.  After all, you will always be their favorite teacher.