Hot Topic
Positive Preschool Parenting
As your child enters early childhood, her world will begin to expand. She will start to enjoy a sense of independence and to explore her surroundings. Positive parenting is crucial during this stage of development. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following positive parenting tips for preschoolers, ages 3 to 5.
* Continue to read to your child. Nurture her love for books by taking her to the library or bookstore.
* Let your child help with simple chores.
* Encourage your child to play with other children. This helps her learn the value of sharing and friendship.
* Help your child’s language by speaking to her in complete sentences and in “adult” language.
* Be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Model the behavior that you expect from her.
As your child becomes more independent and curious about the world around her, it’s important that you teach her how to stay safe. The CDC suggests these tips:
* Tell your child why it’s important to stay out of traffic. Tell her not to play in the street or run after stray balls.
* Be cautious when letting your child ride her tricycle. Keep her on the sidewalk and away from the street.
* Check outdoor playground equipment. Make sure there are no loose parts or sharp edges.
* When your child is playing outside, keep watch over her at all times.
* Practice water safety. Teach your child to swim.
* Teach your child how to interact with strangers and how not to interact.
For more information on positive parenting tips, go to the CDC’s Child Development page.