Parenting Tips For Three Year Olds

Five teachers using a combined 90 decades of experience share tips for parents of two - to 5-year-olds. Finding the Best Out of Your Child I fear that my 3-year-old, Sophie, has a split personality. At college she cleans up her toys, lays her shoes, and is completely self indulgent at potty time. At home, she yells when I ask her to pick up anything, insists that I join in the restroom whenever she has to go, and lately has begun requiring that I spoon-feed her dinner. Certainly, her instructor knows something I don't. But then, what parent hasn't sometimes wondered: Why is my kid better for everybody else than for me? The simple answer: Your kid tests her limits with you because she trusts you'll love her no matter what. But that doesn't mean that you can't borrow a few strategies from the preschool teachers' playbook to get the best from your child. We asked teachers from around the nation for their tips so listen up and take notes! .

Promoting Freedom

While 3- and - 4-year-olds still require lots of parental assistance, our schooling experts concur that kids are generally able to perform more than many people believe. Here's how you can promote them:

Involve her in righting her wrongs

If you discover her coloring on the walls, have her help wash off it. If she knocks over a playmate's block tower, ask her to help reconstruct it.

Assign a job.

Placing your preschooler in control of a routine, simple task will build her confidence and sense of competency, says Buss. A child who's entrusted to water the plants or vacant the clothes dryer is very likely to believe she can additionally get dressed herself or pour her own cereal. Just be certain the chore you delegate is manageable and it's real work, not busywork, since even preschoolers know the difference. The goal is to make your child feel like a competent, contributing member of your household.

Don't wait discipline

If you have to reprimand your child, do so once you watch her misbehaving, advises Buss. Sometimes I will hear parents say, 'Wait till we get home...,' but at the time you're house, your child has forgotten the episode. Similarly, canceling Saturday's zoo trip due to Thursday's tantrum won't prevent potential outbursts; it'll only feel like random, undeserved punishment to your child.