What To Teach A 4 Year Old

Five teachers with a combined 90 years of experience share advice for parents of two - to 5-year-olds. Finding the Best Out of Your Kid I fear that my 3-year-old, Sophie, has a split personality. At college she cleans up her toys, lays her sneakers, and is completely self-sufficient at potty time. In the home, she whines whenever I ask her to pick up anything, insists I join her in the restroom whenever she has to go, and lately has started demanding that I spoon-feed her dinner, Montessori child care & daycare in Vaughan - Toronto. Certainly, her teacher knows something that I don't. But , what parent hasn't occasionally wondered: Why is my kid better for everyone else than for me personally? The simple answer: Your child tests her limits with you because she trusts you'll love her no matter what. But that doesn't mean that you can't borrow a few plans from the preschool teachers' playbook to get the best from your child. We asked educators from all over the nation for their hints so listen up -- and take notes! .

Involve her in righting her wrongs

If you discover her coloring on the walls, then have her help wash off it. If she knocks over a playmate's block tower, ask her to help rebuild it.

Give structured decisions

If, by way of instance, your 3-year-old fails to sit at the dinner table, you could offer the option of sitting and getting dessert -- or not sitting and missing out on a treat. At first, your child might not make the right option, but he will, because he'll see that the wrong choice isn't getting him what he wants, says Buss. Just be certain, if you'd like your child to choose option A, that option B is not as attractive.

Encourage teamwork.

If your child is fighting over a toy with another child, set a timer for 5 minutes, suggests Buss. Inform one child he can have the toy till he hears the buzzer, then it is going to be another kid 's turn.

Avoid good-bye meltdowns

If your child is worried about spending time aside, give him something concrete to remind him . Allow him to take your image; kiss a tissue or cut out a paper heart and put it in his pocket. Having something bodily to touch can help him feel anxious -- and short-circuit a tantrum.