Email: whydokids@yahoo.com
Get ready for the next stage of your parenting journey with practical solutions for preschoolers.
Problem: Children are running around the house.
Why: Children need 1 to 2 hours of active play every day.
Solutions: Use redirection. When children are running around the table, put a chair to block the way through. Tell them they can crawl in the house. Take them outside and let them play tag. Do a brain break. Tell them to do 30 jumping jacks. Put on some music and let them dance. Download an exercise app for them and show them how to do the exercise. Get out some toys for them to use.
Problem: A child is being too loud.
Why: It does not bother them. They are just having fun.
Solution: Cover your ears and say “It hurts my ears when you are loud. Do this instead.”
Problem: A child is constantly saying “Watch me watch me!”
Why: Almost all children do this, especially when they learn how to do something new. This is a need for attention and approval.
Solution: You can help build their self-esteem by telling them “You did it. You figured out how to _____.” Children can repeat this to themselves to build their self-esteem.
Problem: A child keeps tattle telling.
Why: There are a few reasons why kids tattletale. They may be trying to learn what is important information that adults should know. Also they may want to get the other child in trouble.
Solution: Tell the child “Is anyone being hurt.” If the answer is no, tell them “Ignore it.”
Problem: A child is being selfish.
Why: Infants and toddlers are born self-centered. It takes some growing up and understanding to see things from another person’s perspective.
Solution: When a preschooler or older child is still being self-centered. Talk with them. Ask them how they would feel if the roles were reversed. Ask them “Is it okay to (name the misbehavior the child did)?”
Problem: Children think it is always their turn. They are impatient.
Why: Preschoolers do not have a concept of time. They may be able to read numbers but knowing that 30 is more than 3 is very difficult from them.
Solution: Giving them something they can look at or hear helps them understand. They can look at a timer or calendar counting down and hear the beep when time is up.
Problem: A child keeps asking questions they already know the answer to.
Why: Children may do this when they want to make sure they are right, to make conversation, for more information about the subject, etc.
Solution: Ask the child the question they asked you. You can also say “What do you think the answer is?”
Problem: A preschooler takes toys from other kids.
Why: They did not know another child was going to use it. They want to play with the other child. They are angry at the other child, etc.
Solutions: Use floor mats, painters tape, or baskets for children to put their toys in so everyone knows who is using what. Teach child to say, “I want a turn when you are finished.” Instead of chasing the child to get the toy back…teach children to ask, “Why did you take it?”
