Essential dos and don’ts when raising preschoolers

Parenting preschoolers can be a wild ride filled with excitement, milestones, and a few challenges. Here are some basic dos and don’ts during this phase.

“I don’t like you anymore!”

If you have a child between the ages of three and five, you may have heard it said to you. This could be a sign that you are doing a good job because your child is probably responding to the limit you have set for their behavior.

Early childhood is a period of rapid growth of mind and body. This is a great opportunity for parents to establish important routines, set limits and support their children’s development. By the time your child is six, their brain will have quadrupled in size, reaching 90 percent of an adult’s volume. This is why you are bombarded with “why” questions on a daily basis.

This age group, often called the preschool years, is a critical time in a child’s life and lays the foundation for later success in school and beyond. Here are some basic dos and don’ts for raising happy preschoolers.

Allowances for raising a preschool child

The early years are a time of incredible growth, and every day offers new opportunities for preschoolers to learn and develop. Parents play a key role in supporting this growth, especially in the development of language, social skills and fine motor skills. Basic concepts such as time limits, safe activities and respect for space are skills that will help them in life. Here are some ways to boost it.

Set routines and limits

Young children thrive on structure. Establishing a routine for daily activities such as wake up time, meal time, play time and quiet time helps your child feel more secure. These routines offer predictability, which is crucial in these early years of a child’s development. They also help make transitions smoother.

Although setting limits may seem challenging, it is necessary for a child’s development. Clear rules and consistent procedures help preschoolers feel safe and support their ability to learn and grow. Boundaries create safe parameters and help your child know what to expect. When limits are fair and consistent, they give them mental preparation for self-regulation and help them avoid the anxiety that can come with sudden changes.

Even if your child will push the boundaries, it’s not because they’re being mean or trying to upset you. Testing limits is how they learn, and while their brains are experiencing rapid growth, their logic and wisdom have yet to catch up.

Encourage play-based learning and physical activity

As the famous child psychologist Jean Piaget said: “Play is the work of children. Play is an essential part of early childhood education and should include many different types, including physical play outside, imaginative play, group play and solitary play. Remember, they are not the ones wasting their time playing silly games; they are the ones actively learning and discovering life and how the world works.

Physical play is especially important because it not only helps a child’s physical development, but also promotes fine motor skills, social skills and language development. Take your preschoolers to the local park or engage them in activities that encourage running, jumping and climbing. These types of physical activities promote muscle development and coordination while offering opportunities to practice new skills such as taking turns and following rules.

Praise good behavior and offer options

Preschoolers learn to navigate the world around them and respond well to positive reinforcement. When your child demonstrates good behavior, such as sharing toys or helping around the house, be sure to offer specific praise. For example, “I’m proud of you for sharing with your friend today.” This small recognition goes a long way in boosting their self-esteem and encouraging them to continue developing positive habits.

Giving young children choices is another effective way to encourage independence. Whether you’re choosing what to wear or deciding between two healthy food options, letting your child make the decision will help them feel better without disrupting the overall routine.

Make quality time a priority

Spending time with your preschooler will create a strong bond and support their overall well-being. It’s not about spending hours of time with your child. Rather, it is an assurance that the time spent with them counts. When parents connect with their children through focused and meaningful interactions, children feel valued and safe. This one-on-one attention fosters emotional connection, strengthens their social skills, and promotes language development. Quality time also creates a safe environment for preschoolers to explore new things, ask questions, and practice problem solving. Babies will be trying to make connections throughout the day – try to be attentive and responsive to these cues. You will find that your child’s confidence and sense of identity will blossom.

Encourage healthy eating choices

Providing healthy food to your baby is crucial during this stage of growth. Preschoolers need balanced nutrition to support their development. Encourage healthy eating habits by offering a variety of foods in their natural state, with lots of colors and different flavors to choose from.

It teaches fine motor skills and supports cognitive development

As preschoolers grow, they develop fine motor skills that allow them to perform tasks such as drawing, using scissors, and buttoning clothes. Activities such as building block play or arts and crafts are excellent ways to encourage these skills. These hands-on activities also support cognitive development by helping children learn basic concepts such as shapes, colors and counting.

Teach language and social skills

Preschoolers listen all the time and this can be good for their vocabulary. As a parent, the best way to support your child’s language development is to engage in conversation, read together, and encourage pretend play. These activities will help expand their vocabulary and build social and communication skills. During the preschool years, children develop empathy and learn to communicate with peers. Structured play with older children or family members can also be a great opportunity for your child to practice social skills.

Disadvantages of raising a preschool child

Preschoolers thrive on stability, guidance, and boundaries that foster a safe and nurturing environment. These common ailments in raising preschoolers play a significant role in building a solid foundation for their future.

Be inconsistent

Inconsistency can confuse preschoolers. Children may become frustrated or anxious when parents set rules but fail to enforce them consistently. This will also reinforce in your child’s mind that consequences are not real and that all rules can be broken without consequence. Setting limits teaches your child the importance of respect, structure, and discipline.

Don’t overlook the importance of playing outside

Too much screen time can negatively affect a child’s development. Instead of relying on screens to keep your child occupied, prioritize outdoor activities that involve physical play. Preschool children benefit greatly from being in nature, from the calming effects on their mood to the general beneficial effects of sunshine, fresh air and exercise.

Focus only on negative behaviors

While correcting unwanted behavior is essential, focusing only on the negative can discourage your child. Try to balance correction with praise for behaviors you want to see more of. For example, instead of just saying “Don’t do that,” redirect your child’s attention to something positive he can do to encourage his development of new skills.

Let your child set the rules

While offering options is essential, letting your preschooler make all the rules can lead to problems. Parents must maintain the role of mentors, guardians and custodians, setting clear boundaries and responsibilities. This teaches young children respect, responsibility and self-control, skills that will be essential as they transition to primary school.

Reinforce negative habits

Children in this age group are testing limits, but paying too much attention to misbehavior can reinforce them. If they catch inappropriate words or phrases and you laugh at them because you find it funny, they will take that as positive feedback. Calmly explain why their behavior is unacceptable and what they can do differently next time. This shifts the focus away from paying too much attention to the negative behavior and helps reinforce the good behavior.

When to seek early intervention

While many preschool behaviors are typical, there are times when early intervention may be necessary. Before you jump to the conclusion that something might be wrong with your child, consider proactively supporting their development, as simple improvements or changes can make a huge difference.

If you notice that your child is struggling with certain developmental milestones—such as difficulty with language development, fine motor skills, or social interaction—it may be a sign that they need additional support. A consultation with a pediatrician can help.

Raising happy preschoolers involves a balance of structure, encouragement, and understanding. Parents can help their growing children develop the skills they need for a healthy and thriving life by setting clear limits, establishing routines and encouraging play-based learning. Remember that preschool is a time of exploration and discovery, so enjoy the ride and watch your child learn and grow into an amazing little person.