Preschooler Development

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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 assure that the child has the opportunity to spend significant time with a relative or friend who is the opposite sex as the parent. It is important for divorced parents to not be openly critical or make degrading comments about the other parent. When the child exhibits sexual play or exploration with peers, the play should be redirected and the child informed that it is inappropriate without "shaming" the child for this natural, innate curiosity.
• Because language skills develop at a rapid rate in the preschooler, it is important for parents to read to the child regularly and talk with the child frequently throughout the day.
• Discipline measures for the preschooler should provide opportunities for making choices and facing new challenges while maintaining clear limits. Structure is important for the preschooler, and having a daily routine (including age-appropriate chores) can help a child feel an important part of the family unit and enhance self esteem. Reminders and supervision may be necessary for such chores to be accomplished. Recognizing and acknowledging good behavior or a chore performed correctly or without extra reminders are extremely important. Take the time to note and reward the "good" behaviors.
• From age 4 to 5, "mouthiness" or back talk frequently occurs. Parents are encouraged to address such behaviors without reacting to the words or attitudes presented by the preschooler. If the child feels such words provide power over the parent, the behavior will continue. This is one of the hardest areas for parents to remain calm while they try to address the behavior.
• When anticipating a child's entry into school, it is important for parents to keep in mind the wide diversity between children at 5 to 6 years in terms of attention span, reading readiness, and even 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 "advanced," can be detrimental to the child's normal progression into the academic setting.