Under Fives Preschoolers
Challenges
Bringing up small children can be a huge life change that brings both joys and challenges. From the moment a baby is born, parents are responsible for their care, feeding, and development. This can mean sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and constant attention to the needs of the child. As children grow, the challenges shift but continue.
Parental skills
Parents must navigate tantrums, picky eating habits, and the demands of nursery, preschool, school and extracurricular activities. They must also provide emotional support, guidance, and discipline, all while balancing their own needs and responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, bringing up small children can also be incredibly rewarding. Watching a child grow and learn, seeing their personality develop, and sharing special moments with them can bring immense joy and fulfilment.
Parents may find that their priorities shift, their schedules change, and their relationships evolve as they focus on the well-being and happiness of their children. It can be a challenging and demanding time, but it is also a time of love, growth, and connection that can bring about profound changes and personal growth.
Top Ten Parental Tips
Below are the top ten tips on successful parenting regarding small children:
1. Establish routines: Kids thrive on consistency and knowing what to expect. Set up regular schedules for meals, naps, bedtime, and other activities.
2. Communicate effectively: Use clear and simple language to explain rules and expectations to your child. Be patient and always listen to their thoughts and feelings.
3. Encourage independence: Allow your child to do things for themselves and praise their efforts. Building confidence and self-reliance is essential for their growth.
4. Set boundaries: Let your child know what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable. Be consistent in enforcing rules and consequences.
5. Provide love and affection: Show your child that they are loved and valued through hugs, kisses, and positive affirmations.
6. Foster creativity: Encourage imaginative play and creative expression. Provide opportunities for your child to explore and learn through hands-on activities.
7. Stay positive: Focus on praising and encouraging your child’s good behaviour rather than constantly correcting their mistakes. Positive reinforcement is more effective than PUNISHMENT.
8. Do be patient, remember that children are still learning and developing. Stay calm and patient when dealing with challenging behaviours.
9. Make certain to lead by example, children learn by observing the behaviour of adults around them. Be a positive role model for your child by demonstrating kindness, empathy, and good manners.
10. Take care of yourself: Parenting can be exhausting, so make sure to prioritise self-care. Get enough rest, eat well, and seek support from friends, family, or a childcare professional when needed. A happy and healthy parent is better equipped to care for a child.
Encouragement
Always encourage your child / children to focus on the positive aspects of their day, encourage children to talk about the good things that happened to them during the day and help them see the silver lining in difficult situations. You must praise them for their efforts and accomplishments, recognise and acknowledge the efforts and achievements of children, no matter how small, to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
It is crucial to teach your child/ children resilience, it helps children to understand that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of life, so teach them how to bounce back and learn from their experiences.
It is your responsibility to model positive behaviour towards your child / children, this helps them to learn by example, so it is extremely important for adults to model positive thinking and ‘behaviours’ in front of them. you can create a positive supportive environment such as showering them with kisses hugs, love, support and laughter, an environment where they can feel safe, nurturing, and stimulating.
This includes safe physical space, their environment should be free from hazards and risks to ensure the safety of children. Supportive relationships are good parenting skills that are required to ensure that your child / children will thrive when they have caring loving responsive adults in their lives who provide positive guidance and support.
Opportunities
It is essential that there are plenty of Opportunities for play and exploration your child / Children will learn best through hands-on experiences and play. A positive environment should have ample opportunities for children to explore, discover, and create.
Clear and consistent routines are imperative for young children, research has shown that young children thrive on predictable routines and structure.
Having clear expectations and routines helps children feel secure and understand what is expected of them. Positive reinforcement must be adhered to, Inclusive and diverse materials and activities must also be enforced.
Exposure
Exposing children to a variety of cultures, languages, and perspectives helps promote empathy, understanding, and respect for others which will help develop their social-emotional skills. Young children have to learn how to navigate their emotions and relationships. A positive environment should support their social and emotional development through activities that promote empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Take the time to observe your child’s play activities that they really enjoy, then focus and nurture it!! Engage children in activities that bring them joy and fulfilment, as it can boost their mood and overall positivity.
Teach them mindfulness and gratitude ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ everyone loves a child that has lovely manners. Encourage children to practice mindfulness and gratitude exercises to help them focus on the present moment and appreciate the good things in their lives.
Encourage open communication with your child / children and listen to their concerns and feelings without judgment, so they feel heard and valued. Provide opportunities for them to help others in need, as it can create a sense of purpose and positivity in their lives.
Professional Help
Seek professional help if needed, If you or your child are consistently struggling with negative thoughts and emotions, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a mental health professional or social services.
Stay cool Stay Calm and Happy Parenting!!
