Toddlers To Pre-School

Realising and recognising the change in developmental patterns from toddlers to pre-school will help parents understand their child better. Parents can plan appropriate activities for their child that would help the child to build a firm character and strong identity with good values.

Children At The Age Of 2

Children at the age of two tend to be more negative, temperamental, curious, possessive and destructive. This might seem like a trying period but there is not much to be worried about. Children at this age are exploring the world and trying to master the skills on their own. They tend to want to satisfy their curiosity and when they are frustrated, they tend to throw tantrums and display signs of anger. What parents can do is to:

• Provide lots of room for exploration in their environment. Offer play things where they can use their senses. Give them toys that boost creativity and encourage exploration.
• Distract the child when he is frustrated, by providing alternative activities. Help him if he can't cope with certain tasks.
• Provide durable toys so they are not easily broken.
• Try to make a game out of any task you wish to assign to your child so as to maintain his interest.

Children At The Age Of 3

Children at this age are anxious to please adults, cooperative, very energetic and also highly imaginative.

• Always praise the child for work well done, obeying or helping out.
• Provide active games and fun for the child, but be sure to give him rest periods throughout the day.
• Provide time and materials for imaginative play.
• Provide cooperative activities for the child and his siblings, and also with his neighbours.
• Praise him for working together with others.

Children At The Age Of 4

At this age, the child tends to be inquisitive, talkative, emotionally unpredictable, lively and sociable and possess a high physical drive. They are more active and open.

• Encourage the child to ask questions. If you do not have the answer, find out the answer together with the child. eg: looking up the encyclopedia and going to the library.
• Encourage physical activities. Allow them to climb, swing, ride a bicycle, jump, etc. Be sure to take safety precautions so that the child can enjoy himself without being in any danger.
• Talk to your child, read to your child. Build up his vocabulary skills and allow him to participate in your conversations.
• Provide opportunities for your child to be engaged in social activities. Allow them to invite friends home for a party.

Children At The Age Of 5

Acquiring language skills, having high initiative, loving vigorous and noisy group games, having the need for approval and generating a sense of responsibility are characteristics of children of this age.

• Plan time for conversation with your child. Encourage them to tell stories or share jokes with each other.
• Recognise good work and reward them appropriately.
• Organise games for their participation and do encourage them to join in group games.
• Allow the child to participate in activities at home such as washing the dishes and setting the table.

Children At The Age Of 6

Having a short attention span, being highly active and restless, eager to learn, highly competitive and a strong gender affinity are common characteristics of children of this age.

• Develop in your child an interest of things related to nature. Encourage him to admire and learn about nature.
• Introduce lots of books, tapes, songs and educational videos to your child.
• Allow time for outdoor activities and things that he is interested in.
• Emphasize on the values of group effort, team spirit and in having a good time rather then winning.

<<Back To Parenting Tips