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Medical Health Encyclopedia
Preschooler development
(Page 3)
PARENTING TIPS
- Because sex role development is based in the toddler years, it is important for the child to have appropriate role models of both sexes. Single parents should make sure the child has the chance to spend time with a relative or friend who is the opposite sex of the parent. It is important for divorced parents to not be critical about the other parent. When the child exhibits sexual play or exploration with peers, redirect the play and tell the child that it is inappropriate, but do not shame the child for this natural curiosity.
- Because language skills develop quickly in the preschooler, it is important for parents to read to the child and talk with the child often throughout the day.
- Discipline should give the preschooler chances to make choices and face new challenges, while maintaining clear limits. Structure is important for the preschooler. Having a daily routine (including age-appropriate chores) can help a child feel like an important part of the family and enhance self-esteem. The child may need reminders and supervision to finish chores. Recognize and acknowledge when the child behaves, or does a chore correctly or without extra reminders. Take the time to note and reward good behaviors.
- From age 4 to 5, many children backtalk. Address these behaviors without reacting to the words or attitudes. If the child feels these words will give him or her power over the parent, the behavior will continue. It is often difficult for parents to stay calm while trying to address the behavior.
- When a child is starting school, parents should keep in mind that there can be big differences among children ages 5 - 6 in terms of attention span, reading readiness, and fine motor skills. Both the overly anxious parent (concerned about the slower child's abilities) and the overly ambitious parent (pushing skills to make the child more advanced) can harm the child's normal progress in school.
Review Date: 11/02/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry
and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children’s
Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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