Parenting Preschoolers

• Preschoolers: Encouraging Independence

  Preschool-age children develop a sense of independence by practicing skills and doing things for themselves, such as getting dressed or brushing their teeth. Children who are not allowed to perform tasks on their own get the message that they are...

• Preschoolers: Building a Sense of Security

  Parents who are dependable, consistent, respectful, and responsive to their children help them to develop a sense of security. These qualities are especially important for parents of preschool children, because children at this age are gaining a basic sense of trust in themselves and in the significant people in their...

• Preschoolers: Helping Your Child Explore

  Preschool children are driven to explore their world. This curiosity is the basis for learning, now and throughout their lives. Children at play are little scientists. They answer for themselves basic questions about how the world works, whether...

• Preschoolers: Building Social Skills

  By age 3, most children benefit from some form of regular social contact, such as nursery school or play groups. Playing with other children even 1 day a week provides opportunities to practice and develop important social, emotional, and language...

• Encouraging Language Development in Your Preschooler

  Children's language development is likely to progress more rapidly when they are given frequent opportunities to interact with both children and adults. Children who frequently play with others who are about the same age usually develop expressive...

• Snack Ideas for Preschoolers

  Small children tend to go through phases of picky eating. Try to offer a wide variety of fun, nutritious choices. Don't force your child to eat. Don't restrict fat in the diet of children younger than age 2. Most children need whole milk between 1 and 2 years of age. But your doctor may recommend 2% milk...