ID
FCS-62P

Being able to wait their turn, not throwing a difficult puzzle across the room in frustration, and staying in bed at night are all behaviors that children must learn.
Parenting Secrets
- By age 2, children are almost half as tall as they will be as adults.
- As they learn to talk, preschoolchildren learn to name objectsbefore they combine words andbefore they can make decisionswith playmates.
- Children ages 2 to 3 are learningto explore and be separate fromtheir parents. Give them a safespace to explore.
- Childproofing makes a parent’sjob easier and children safer!
Together Time
Develop routines.
- Mornings can be stressful andevenings are not relaxing if youdon’t have a routine. Think itthrough, start a routine, and stickto it. Children feel safe whenthey know what is coming nextand learn how to behave withinthese limits.
Play Time
Play is a child’s work and learning how to play is essential.
- Common household itemssuch as measuring cups, boxes,spoons, and junk mail are oftenall that is needed. Think aboutusing sorting, naming, andgrouping activities.
Learning Time
Developing a sense of self-control seems slow to develop. Behaviors such as whining in checkout lines, physical outbursts against siblings, and an inability to sit still when waiting are examples of loss of control.
- Prepare the child beforeentering a store. Have hand toysready to keep their hands busy.Allow them to hold the broccolior look for colors you name.
- Avoid taking a tired or hungrychild shopping. Your trip will bemiserable.
- Sometimes, buying a treat butnot buying one another time isthe strongest reinforcement of“asking” versus “whining.” Beconsistent.
- Tell the child before entering astore what behavior is expected.Don’t threaten to leave whenthey exhibit poor behavior. Justleave. Restate your expectationsthen calmly leave. The next time,remind them what you expectand try again.
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Publication Date
May 20, 2019