Purposeful Parenting in the Preschool and Elementary Years

Now that the child is typically equipped with some language skills, this can be a really fun stage of purposeful parenting because of the feedback your child can offer in each of your interactions. Likely by now, your child has gained some control and insight into his or her emotions and you can continue to talk more about managing those as they learn to navigate social relationships.  By age three, children are moving out of the parallel play of toddlerhood and begin seeking and securing consistent friendships. While the idea of sharing possessions can be difficult for any child, “turn-taking” is a great way to introduce this concept that is often easier for a child to accept.  At any stage of development, it is important for the parent to remember that what may feel like challenges you face with your child are really practice ground for the social dynamics and expectations your child will have to learn to cope with his or her whole life long. Self-control and behavior management are not innate, and social etiquette is something we teach and learn. Because it is learned, that means every child will need opportunities to practice. Any skill that is practiced is bound to have some missteps and setbacks. What children do possess innately is an insatiable curiosity and this can serve them well in their endeavors to grow and understand the world around them.  One great way to parent purposefully at this age is to provide for your child choices they can decide between when ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens Communication Parenting Students Child Development Early Childhood Education Friendship Learning National Purposeful Parenting Month Source Type: blogs