Preschoolers
The preschool period is one of transition as your child starts to get ready to go to school. The preschool period goes from 3 years to school entry. This period of your child's life is a period of becoming independent and competent. Preschoolers have moved from the 'what's that' stage to wanting to know 'why?'.
Characteristics
Some important preschooler characteristics include:
- Changing physical appearance as they become taller
- Using words creatively and telling stories
- Managing to:
- Feed themself
- Go to the toilet (they do have occasional accidents)
- Wash their hands and wash themselves in the bath (they still require strict supervision near water)
- Choose and dress themself in simple clothing (they like bright colours and patterns but they don't always match)
- Not liking their hair being washed – as they have difficulty keeping eyes shut for long enough
- Enjoying helping to prepare food
- Using a fork, but still enjoy eating with their fingers
- Being more aware of their need for sleep – they still require an afternoon nap
- Separating from primary carer for an increasing length of time
- Walking, running skills fully developed
- Enjoying doing craft activities
- Creating very imaginative drawings/paintings and they can tell a story about the drawing
- Being lively, noisy and assertive
- Enjoying outdoor play – they still have difficulty adhering to rules
- Begin to be involved in shared play
- Seeking the company of playmates.
Guidelines For Parents
The things you can do to help your preschooler are:
- Learn about expected developmental behaviours so you have age appropriate expectations for your preschooler
- Provide opportunities to experience everyday situations – remember things you take for granted are new experiences for your preschooler
- Include a range of adults and other children into their lives
- Provide an environment that is rich in language, reading and music
- Provide unstructured time to help your preschooler to learn to play quietly
- Provide a safe environment for the preschooler to play, sleep and grow
- Allow your preschooler to practice skills – helping set the table, getting dressed, brushing their hair
- Give your preschooler plenty of your time – remember you are still your preschooler's favourite playmate
- Encourage outdoor activities
- Avoid conflict by allowing your preschooler limited choices – do you want a drink of water or juice
- Learn to know when your preschooler is tired, angry and frustrated, this knowledge will assist you avoid conflicts and no win situations