Getting the best from your preschooler:
1) Expect more. Most people have a way of living up (or down) to expectations- preschoolers included. Children in preschool programs are expected to pour their own juice or milk from a pitcher. Throw away napkins and garbage and hang up their coats- and they do! But those same kiddos will walk out the door after maneuvering all that the play equipment had to offer hop in a stroller and the thumb goes in their mouth.If we raise the bar a bit our children will probably stretch to meet it.
2) Resist doing for them when they can do for themselves.While it may be quicker to put on Susie’s jacket it won’t help to make her more self sufficient.The magic words of “Do you want me to help or you can do it yourself?” Most children will choose to do it themselves. Praise the trying and successes!
3) Try very hard not to redo what they have done.Try to resist smoothing the freshly made covers of a three year old bed. Dressing themselves in stripes and plaid is a right of passage. So unless it’s picture day please don’t try to “fix” it. They will notice and may get discouraged.
Have fun with it and maybe you can both wear Polka dots and stripes today. Maybe even add in some dinosaur socks to compliment the outfit!😊
Games to play with your preschooler:
One of our favorites in the center is a fun take on memory. We use a blanket picnic style on the floor. We add some of our kitchen play food and then take turns taking 1 (or more as it gets easier) piece away. Then we take turns guessing what’s missing. It can be done with any items around the house.
Fall play-dough-
Fall Scented Homemade Play-dough
Pot of Gold Craft for St. Patrick’s Day