9. a. Ultimate tips for parenting a Pre-schooler

Mumma-Mumma, where did I come from?

Papa-papa, where does Santa live?

Mumma-Mumma, have you met a fairy?

Papa-papa, why doesn’t fish fly?......

 

Questions, questions, and more questions….

 

These little bundles of joy are full of such questions. They hold the most precious place in their parents’ lives. These emotional, inquisitive pre-schoolers have a world of their own.

 

These early years of their lives are marked with physical, emotional, and social growth. The little angels are oodles of energy. It is very important for the parents to channelize it to put them on the path of good learning, in a playful manner.  In this series of three articles, the focus has been given on the detailed analysis for parenting of these tiny tots.

 

To understand it clearly, we take the case of little Saumitra, a four-year-old cute kid of Mr. N.P. Singh and Mrs. Shashi. The child has a little sister, one-year-old, Saumya. These cute children have given their parents a blissful life. Singhs are very much keen that the children grow into wonderful people who are not only good citizens but also possess a wholesome personality.

 

Their neighbor, Dr. Saxena, was a pediatrician and his wife, a child psychologist. She had good background knowledge of child development also. In their regular meetings, the couple found these children to be adorable. They gave friendly guidance to the Singhs from time to time about the proper development of Saumitra and Saumya. Singhs took proper note of their guidance and followed it completely. First, they gave some tips:

 

·       They will ask questions
If the children don’t ask questions, it is the cause of worry. It is a healthy sign for them to be inquisitive. Never evade their questions or snub them for this. Always answer them lovingly. Make sure that they understand your answer properly.

·       Praise them
All of us want and expect praise. So if your child wants it from you, there is nothing bad about it. Encourage them by praising. However, excess of everything is bad. So make it realistic. For example: “I love it the way you care for your younger sister.” “You helped mummy, I am so glad.”

·       Make them responsible
Everybody gets happy with a prize. Give responsibilities to the children like keeping books at their proper place; taking glasses from the table to the sink, putting dirty clothes in the washing machine, etc. If they do it, acknowledge the completion with a prize. They will be enthusiastic to keep winning it.

·       Talk in a calm voice
Don’t shout at them. They are tender and may take it to their heart. Howsoever, disturbed you may be, don’t lose your calm. The children are also bound to copy you. Let them copy your cool demeanor. This will help them become a better person in life.

·       Don’t give in to their tantrums
Children are attention-seekers. If your daughter asks you to buy her a doll and lies down on the road for it, don’t give in. If you agree to buy it for her, she is smart enough to note that this trick works. Tell her calmly, that she has to stand up first, behave properly and they may get it on some other day. Make her realize that her behavior was wrong.

·       Be firm in the rules

Make rules at home too as made in their schools. Stick to it and make them follow these too. Usage of magic words like "Please"; “Sorry”; “Excuse me”; “Thank you” and “You are welcome” should be taught to them and used at home. This will make them understand the importance of rules and discipline in life.

·       If you love them show it

The children understand it much better not merely by talking about it but by showing it. Your one hug or kiss can make them feel heavenly and prized. This adds to their joy immensely. A hug or kiss a day is worth more than a thousand words.

#TipsForParentingPreSchooler #QuestionsAskedByPreSchoolers #ShowingLoveToPreSchoolers

R. C. Verma

The author has given some important tips for the parents of the toddlers in this series of 3 articles.