15 Effective Parenting Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

If you’re a parent to a preschooler, who is brimming with energy and is curious about every little thing, it must be hard for you to keep up with his energy levels. Your little bundle of happiness must be keeping you on your toes all the time. And at times, you may find it challenging and tiring to run after your little one. Raising kids is one of the most challenging jobs, but you don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to help you! We bring some parenting tips that will help you raise your preschooler just the way you want.

Best Parenting Tips for Preschoolers

Here are some parenting tips that parents of preschoolers can follow.

1. Polish their communication skills.

Communication skills of toddlers are important. The clearer their communication skills are, the better they will fare with other kids and teachers once they start going to preschool.

2. Teach them to be good listeners.

We all know that it’s challenging to contain the curious mind of toddlers. However, when in preschool, your little one will have to take part in various activities, such as singing, drawing, listening to the teacher’s explanations, and so on. All these will require your toddler to sit still and pay attention. Being a good listener will help him proactively take part in various activities in preschool. 

3. Encourage teamwork.

Once your toddler starts going to school, he will be spending good 4-5 hours with his peers and teachers, and take part in various group activities. To ensure that your little one talks to other kids and engages with them, he needs to learn about teamwork. While he may be the centre of attention at home and all his demands must be fulfilled, the same won’t happen in school. To ensure that your munchkin gets along with other kids, you will need to teach him about teamwork. You can help build this skill in your toddler by playing games with him at home.

4. Teach them to follow instructions.

This is a must! You must teach your little one to follow instructions and directions given to him. In preschool, your child will have to listen to his teacher and follow his instructions, so you must prepare him for the same. And you can do so by all by means of fun and games.

5. Help toddlers to work with stationery.

Preschools offer various activities that require the use of objects such as pencil, crayon, scissors, wax or colour pencils. You can help your toddler how to handle them correctly by encouraging activities like drawing and painting. Depending on age, they can be taught how to write strokes of alphabets, numbers, etc.

6. Encourage them to be independent.

Your child needs to be independent and learn to do certain activities on his own when he starts going to a preschool. At home, you will be there to wipe your toddler’s face or help him wash his hands after his mealtimes or playtime. But in preschool, he might have to do it all by himself. So you need to teach him a few things before he goes to preschool. Learning these little tasks will instil a sense of responsibility and independence in toddlers, which will help him in life.

7. Have a set routine.

Having a set routine for various activities such as playing, meals, snacks, sleep, etc., is important for both of you. Not only will it teach discipline to your kid, but it will also help you manage your own time efficiently. Another advantage is that you won’t have to run after your toddler every day for meals or bedtime.

8. Try not to be too strict.

Discipline should not be confused with strictness. Children tend to be stubborn if you are too strict with them. So you need to talk to your child in a friendly manner, and win his trust so that he can communicate with you without fear. It will also help you to have a strong bond with your child.

9. Don’t give in to their tantrums.

Having said that, you can’t be too mellow as well! Try to find the right balance that is neither too strict nor too soft. Don’t put a blind eye to your child’s tantrums. Instead, direct him to do something else if he is throwing a tantrum over a specific thing. The best way is to identify the cause of such behaviour and address it.

10. Don’t treat them like an adult.

Sometimes, parents expect way too much out of their children. You may want to treat your child like an adult, but you have to understand your little one is still at a learning stage, and, that he is a kid. Don’t expect to understand everything you tell him immediately. Have patience, and let him learn at his own pace. The important thing is that you encourage him to learn and keep trying. You may want to find out what interests and motivates your child. Be creative when you give him a task, and ensure that it’s fun for both of you, rather than a chore which you have to go through.

11. Don’t be a “no” person all the time.

It might be challenging, but there are ways to go about it! Try not to say “No” very often. Kids’ hearts are sensitive, and they may feel unloved or undesirable if you say no to them often. If you say ‘no’ to everything to your child, it may lead to a rebellious attitude in him. Try talking to your child in a gentle way when you’re saying no. Explain why you are saying ‘no’ and he will understand.

12. Praise them for being good.

We all love it when we are praised for our efforts. The same is with kids. In order to raise an independent and responsible child, you have to encourage them every. If they do something wrong, then let them know why it is wrong. Such awareness will make them conscious of what they are doing, and whether their actions will have a negative consequence.

13. Don’t put too many things on their plate.

Every child is different and learns at his own pace. As a parent, of course, you will have certain expectations of your child. However, it is also the job of a parent to understand their child and accept his capabilities. It’s important not to put too many things on toddlers’ plates at once; remember, they are too young and still learning. Maintain a balanced schedule that is comfortable for your toddler.

14. Be a role model to them.

Your children will be spending most of their time with you. How you behave, what you do, how you do things, and more will impact your child’s development. Be a role model to your child, so he can look up to you and follow in your footsteps.

15. Create a strong bond.

Raising a child can be challenging but it’s a rewarding experience too. So enjoy the little things with your toddler and engage in fun activities together. Doing simple things together will help you create trust and a strong bond with your child. You should be a parent as well as a friend to your kids, and someone your child can rely on without hesitation.

Common Mistakes Parents Make With Preschoolers

No parent wants less for their kids; every single one of them thinks best for their child’s interests. However, many a time, those good intentions backfire or demotivate their child. Below are a few common mistakes that parents should avoid with their preschoolers:

1. Setting a Bad Example

Little ones are impressionable and they learn by observing their parents and surroundings. If you want to teach them a good habit, then start the change from within yourself first. You can’t expect them to eat a healthy meal when you are living on potato chips and cookies. If you want to inculcate reading habits in your child, you will have to show them.

2. Saying Yes Always

Do not give into your child’s demand almost always. If you always say ‘yes’ to your child, he will ask for anything and everything. Don’t let your child manipulate you; when it’s time to say no, say it clearly. Also, explain to your child why you are saying ‘no’.

3. Being Overprotective

It’s natural for parents to be protective of their kids, but being overprotecting hinders their growth. They start to rely way too much on their parents for almost everything. When parenting preschoolers, you should let them initiate things which they are capable of doing on their own. If your child falls while playing or walking, don’t rush to him each and every time. Let him learn how to stand up on his own. Watch and observe, and help him if he needs it. Let him grow!

4. Bribing Them

Bribing kids with chocolates or other treats to make them do something is a common approach, but something parents should avoid. For example, offering a piece of cake for eating veggies won’t help them like veggies. It might backfire as well, and they might start to hate it.

5. Comparing With Siblings

Many parents forget that every child is different and unique. Don’t compare children with their siblings. Such behaviour will discourage them and make them feel unloved. They may start to harbour hatred towards their siblings as well.

Parenting a preschooler is challenging, but it’s full of fun as well. At times, you may find it difficult to keep up with your child’s energy levels and curiosity, but you know it well that your child couldn’t have asked for better parents. Refer to these parenting tips if you need help and trust your parenting style. We know you’re doing a great job!

Also Read:

Aggression in Children
Moral Values You Must Teach Your Kids
How to Deal with a Highly Emotional Child