By Mary Elizabeth
Piretti
It’s summertime! During the long hot months this summer,
we’ll talk about three different age groups of children: preschoolers,
school-aged children and teenagers. Each month, we’ll highlight some different
expectations parents should have for the groupings.
This month, we’re focusing on preschoolers, the wild and
precious age of childhood. Preschool-aged children are like sponges of
knowledge, constantly taking in the world around them, assessing and learning
in almost every situation. They also transition from babies to children, an
often raucous move. Mood swings, temper tantrums and extreme energy are the
norms for 3- to 5-year-olds. But does it have to be that way?
Before they turn 2, babies demand to be the center of their
parents’ worlds, and rightfully so. They rely on adults to keep them fed,
clothed and protected. As they get older and more mature, they voice their
needs and wants, and become more independent and self-sufficient. They also
learn that they aren’t the center of the universe—they don’t always like it. To
be fair, I probably wouldn’t either!
As your child goes through this transition, you as a parent
should have boundaries and expectations to let your child know that you are in
charge and that he or she is only a little fish in a big sea. This is okay and
necessary in order to raise individuals who care about the world and people
around them.
Take temper tantrums for instance. Preschoolers need to know
that they can’t throw tantrums wherever and whenever they feel like it. They
need to know that when this happens, they will be promptly placed in a room
where they can have their fit all alone. If parents give in to tantrums, they
will only continue and get worse! It’s much easier to stop them when the child
in question is under 5 than it will be when the child is age 7.
Preschoolers also can be given responsibilities and chances
for independence. Let them pick out their own clothes most of the time. Teach
them how to get themselves dressed. They are capable of brushing their hair and
teeth, doing chores like making their beds or taking out the trash, and playing
independently. Doing this teaches them important skills and enforces a routine
of personal care helps them take responsibility for themselves. It will help
them gain a sense of stability to know that they can do things on their own,
and will help to keep them more “leveled.”
The preschool years don’t have to be filled with emotions
and time-outs. Being given boundaries, responsibilities and skills builds
independence and helps children transition to older childhood. It also reminds
them that they aren’t the center of the world. Having this skill-set will help
them function in elementary school and beyond. And will make your days with
them a lot more peaceful and enjoyable!
