Five-Star Program for Pre-Kindergarten, Preschool, Toddler and Infant Education located in Greenville, NC.
Contact Us To Schedule A Tour Call: (252) 756-8200Preschoolers are at a stage of early child development where they are learning to regulate their emotions, developing patience, and working on critical thinking. This is why it is normal for them to have tantrums and to be easily frustrated. As they go through this stage it is important to be patient with them as they learn the most age-appropriate way to cope with their emotions.
Overall, they are still learning about relationships and what it means to have a difficult conversation. They may not always know how to act around others or how to resolve conflicts on their own. So if you want to help young children understand emotions our Greenville NC child care center is sharing tips on how to be patient with younger kids as they search for all the answers to life.
It is never too early to start having difficult conversations with your children. When toddlers begin preschool, they will be exposed to a whole new world of people and ideas. And while this can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming for both children and parents. This is why beginning to have difficult conversations early on will help your child to feel more comfortable discussing difficult subjects and will allow you to address any concerns before they become serious problems. Additionally, starting these conversations early will give you a chance to build a foundation of trust and open communication that will last well into your child’s teenage years and beyond.
When you talk to a preschooler, it is important to use simple age appropriate language. This is because preschoolers are still learning how to understand and process their language. They are constantly working on building their vocabulary and grammar skills, but they may have difficulty understanding complex sentences. So by using simple language, you encourage critical thinking and help them to learn new words. Additionally, using simpler language will help to prevent frustration on both your part and theirs when it comes to the tough stuff.
Children tend to absorb everything they see and hear. They look up to the adults in their lives as examples of how to behave, and so it is important that we set a good example for them. When we lie or withhold information, kids perceive it is then acceptable to do the same. This can lead to problems later in life when they may find themselves in situations where being honest would be the best course of action but they instead choose to lie.
Furthermore, children who are not taught to value honesty may have difficulty forming trusting relationships with others. So while it may be easier to avoid conversations about violent video games, mental illness, and grown-up material online it is also not possible to completely limit small kids’ exposure to all age-inappropriate subjects. This is why it’s essential that we be honest and factual when speaking with younger children about any of these difficult topics, in order to help them develop into truthful, trustworthy adults.
It can be difficult as a parent to see your child feel sad, angry, or confused and not know how to help. The first thing to remember is that all of the feelings are valid in their own sense, and there are ways to help your child express and process their emotions. One way to validate your child’s feelings is to simply listen. There’s no need to be able to fix the problem or offer advice 100% of the time, simply listen and let them be heard.
Another way to validate your child’s feelings is through empathy. Communicate that you understand how they are feeling and why. This can help them feel seen and understood. Finally, it’s important to offer support without taking over. As the parent, you don’t always have to correct tough problems for your child but instead help them brainstorm solutions and provide resources, but let them take the lead in finding a way forward. Validating your child’s feelings is just as important part of being a supportive parent.
Open communication is important in any relationship, but it is especially important between parents and preschoolers. Children at this age are just beginning to develop their language skills, and this means they need opportunities to practice using words to communicate their thoughts and feelings. You may find them creating imaginary friends, making up false realities, and striking up conversations with absolutely everyone (even the family dog or cat).
Additionally, preschoolers may become reluctant to communicate with specific adults, so it is important for parents to create an environment that is open and welcoming. When children feel comfortable talking to their parents about everything from homework to more mature subjects, they are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings freely through every age group. Ultimately, encouraging an open dialogue with preschoolers is essential for developing strong parent-child relationships and helping them to develop abstract thinking skills that will allow them to effectively communicate their needs.
Patience is truly a virtue, and nowhere is that more true than when dealing with toddlers and preschoolers.
We know that as a parent, there are moments when the constant questions about difficult subjects and the never-ending energy that preschool-age children possess mixed with processing your own feelings from day to day, can be exhausting. But the good news is that many of the child development stages are ever-changing and that today’s challenges could be gone by the end of the week.
The harsh reality is that for many parents the tough conversations can be a lot to deal with and talk about. We always encourage you to try to parent with patience and understanding, knowing that most preschoolers will quickly outgrow their pesky behavior.
First, try to provide structure and routine in their day. This will help them feel secure and know what to expect. Second, be consistent in your expectations and discipline. If you consistently reinforce desired behavior, they will eventually learn what is expected of them. Lastly, make sure to take breaks for yourself. Caring for a young child can be demanding, so make sure to give yourself some time to relax and rejuvenate. By following these tips, you can help make the caretaking experience more enjoyable for both you and your preschooler.
At our 5-star childcare center in Greenville, we understand the emotions involved in watching your child start preschool and beyond. We always stay up to date on current childhood development guidelines and provide the necessary assistance to help you face any challenge head-on when it comes to having difficult conversations. We are dedicated to making that day and every day a positive experience for your child and for you! Contact us today by calling 252-756-8200 or filling out the form below to learn more or schedule a tour of our campus. We look forward to hearing from you.
"*" indicates required fields
