The Transformation from Toddler to Preschool

Your precious little one has turned three and is displaying strong likes and dislikes. At this phase eating food is not such an easy task as now the child displays strong likes and dislikes. By the time your child has reached the kindergarten age, he is an individual, showing likes and dislikes in food and other things. He now interacts with other peers, draws, writes and tells stories.

At this stage dealing with your child is not easy for you. The child fusses over food, doesn’t want to eat, toilet training is an issue and may not want to go to school as well. This stage which is quite a challenge for you is also very important stage in the growth of the child. As parents you can deal better with this stage if you understand that this is a stage in the development of the child. All the new challenges you face as parents are a direct result of your child’s development, curiosities, skills and determination. Fussing over food occurs because the rate of growth at this stage is slow and hence appetite too is less. If you carefully monitor the growth of your child, you can completely understand the change in behavior.

When children reach the age of three, they are restless; they eat less and throw more to the dogs. This is because your child is more curious, wants activities, and shows interest in peers. At this stage they eat favorite foods only.  Now it throws tantrums to get its way. Keeping these factors into account avoid catering to all your child’s likes and dislikes and encourage them to eat full wholesome meals. Understanding their developmental stage is what will help you in dealing with this difficult stage.

They can now independently move around so they are curious to explore. However the child can’t distinguish between what is safe and what is unsafe. This is the stage when they start going to nursery school and take part in activities, talk to peers, and talk to strangers. Tantrums at this stage are common. But you should deal with them by controlling the situation, and try to forget the situation when it is over.

Some young children also develop bad habits like picking their nose, biting their nails, even handling their private parts. This can become embarrassing. This is part of curiosity and growing up. As parents you can teach your child to do these things in private.

Here are some essentials tips to handle children from eighteen months to pre nursery school age:

Understand that this age is an age of exploration and wonder, determination and skill attaining.

All positive action should be praised. Through the praise, kids appreciate the skills they have achieved.

Avoid dwelling on the negatives.

Don’t worry about how much they eat, instead ensure they are eating a balanced diet.

Ignore their tantrums. If tantrums don’t get the desired result, children stop throwing them.

Don’t worry too much about toilet training they will eventually train.

Read to them, children love learning new words.

Take interest in your child’s activities.

Help your child through the phase of transition.