Preschoolers, for the most part, are kind, inventive, and willing to cooperate. However, kids are still developing social skills and may have difficulty managing their emotions. We’ll go through some of the most typical preschool misbehaviors, as well as some effective methods of restraining them and more about toddler care.
Separation anxiety, which may manifest itself as a kid brushing their teeth and putting on their own shoes in the morning but refusing to let go of your leg when it’s time to pick them up from preschool, can collide with preschoolers’ growing independence. Even if your kid didn’t show signs of separation anxiety or nocturnal phobias at an earlier age, you may observe these symptoms now.
Effective Methods
Regardless of your child’s disposition, the following methods of punishment are often the most successful for preschoolers.
You’ll notice good behavior when you behave nicely
This means you’ll be asking your youngster not to do things like reach into a tablemate’s pocketbook, or eat rice with their fingers, a lot. The importance of “catching them being good” cannot be overstated. Seeing and describing good activities in preschoolers builds their self-esteem and gives them an idea of what they should be doing.
Specificity is key when it comes to noticing desirable behavior. Say, “I saw how you carried your dishes to the sink after you were through eating,” rather than “You’re the nicest child ever.” Then give them a compliment for their good work.
Allow them to make their own decisions
It’s common for preschoolers to take pride in their status as “big kids.” To improve their conduct, it’s important to give them some sense of control over their own life. Some children, particularly those under the age of three, are best served by a smaller number of options—two to three. When it comes to snack options, older preschoolers may be able to make more informed decisions, such as selecting a healthy option from the grocery store or wearing whatever they want.
Time-Out or Time-In may be used
Your child may need to take a break from the game of banana tag if they get very agitated throughout the activity. At home, you may need to separate them right away if they strike one of your children.
Time out may be an effective form of punishment since it conveys the severity of the offense. It also gives children an opportunity to cool off before you confront their conduct. To be successful, a time out for children should last no more than one minute each year of age. As a result, whereas a 3-year-old can sit for three minutes, a 4-year-old could require four.
Create a quiet spot in your house where you may relax. A place where kids may self-regulate and return to participating in family activities. In order to create a peaceful environment, you may use music, cushions, or literature.
Assemble a Sticker Chart | Preschoolers
Create a sticker chart if your kid is having trouble with a certain habit, such as remaining in their own bed at night. Once they’ve earned a particular number of stickers (say, three or five), inform them that they’ll be able to choose a movie to watch as a reward. Once your kid has mastered the necessary abilities to achieve his or her objectives, you may gradually reduce the use of reward systems.
Use Logical Repercussions
It’s sometimes the wisest course of action to eliminate the source of a problem. You may have to put the toy truck away for the duration of the playdate if your preschooler flung it at a friend’s face. It’s possible you’ll have to leave the park early the next day if they have an enormous tantrum and refuse to return home when it’s time to do so.
Retribution works best when it is rationally linked to the crime. Taking away the toy because your child continually unbuckling his car seat isn’t rational, but refusing to go out with all of your children for ice cream since they aren’t secure in the vehicle is. This is a reasonable solution.
Regardless of whether your youngster shows any reaction to the punishment, don’t worry. Preschoolers will not be motivated to improve their academic performance if you make them feel guilty about their performance. Preschoolers do not misbehave or act out to intentionally get on their nerves. Punishment is not the purpose of discipline; discipline’s goal is to educate.
Children in preschool have a lot of creative energy, and they’re also developing social skills. If they’re still working on self-control, they might have a hard time with this. Make it clear to young children what you want them to accomplish and reward them when they succeed. This is very important in toddler care. Even though they’re wicked at times, they still want to please you.
Using discipline tactics in a caring and consistent manner is essential. In addition, it is important to remember that your preschool’s fundamental requirements must be met: nutritious meals, enough playtime, and a good night’s sleep are all important.
