According to Michele Borba “These ages (3-5) are the most active and frustrating in terms of parenting,”, author of the Big Book of Parenting Solutions. At times, your preschooler can push you to the limit. Because they are getting to know and experience the world around them. Preschoolers want to own their newfound independence. But, they also wish close attention, love, and protection from parents and caregivers.
Here are three common mistakes parents make while raising preschoolers plus some smart fixes that help resolve problems or better, avoid the problem.
1. Straying From the Routine
“Consistency is key for preschoolers.” Says Tanya Remer Altmann, a paediatrician, author of MommyCalls: Dr Tanya Answers Parents’ Top 101 Questions about toddlers and babies.
If you won’t follow the routine correctly, preschoolers get confused and throw more tantrums. “If sometimes you let them do something and sometimes you don’t, they get confused.” Says Altmann.
Fix it: Be consistent, whether it’s with mealtime routine, sleep habits, or discipline. Altmann says, “If your routine is consistent 90% of the time and your child is doing well, then so are you, and a minor exception may be okay.”
2. Giving in to Negative Behavior
Yes, it’s extremely embarrassing to see your child throwing tantrums in public. And, you’re ready to stop it by doing whatever it takes. But, doing that teaches your child that throwing tantrums is a sure-fire way to getting what she wants. With time, she will be throwing tantrums each time things aren’t done her way. And, as she grows, this will be how she will be reacting to various situations.
Fix it: Don’t let your child’s tantrum-throwing behavior influence you. Instead, lay down rules which will make her responsible each time she throws an unnecessary tantrum.
3. Missing the Warning Signs
Parents tend to reason with children the moment they’re at the pick of a tantrum. “But that is like trying to reason with a goldfish, you’ve got power immediately beforehand when you can still distract or anticipate. But once the tantrum is in full force, you’ve lost it. Your child does not hear you.” Borba says.
Fix it: Please don’t take your child away from home before you prepare how to deal with a nature call like napping her up, or you’ve put ready the items to mitigate it like knowing how to access the toilet quickly. Ensure your child is full before leaving home or carry a snack.
“Figure out and anticipate the natural warning signs of your child. The usual ones include; hunger fatigue and boredom.” Says Borba.
Bottom Line
Effective parenting takes time, love, and patience. Now that you have gone through the effects of; straying away from the routine, giving in to negative behavior, the missing of warning signs. And how to fix it. Also, it takes remembering changes don’t happen overnight. If at first, you don’t succeed, try again harder.
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