Now Hiring Teachers For Our VPK & Toddler Programs! If you’re interested in playing a crucial role in shaping a child’s future APPLY HERE!
As a child grows older, they learn to walk, they learn to form sounds, and as time goes on, they develop their own traits, habits, and personality different than any other. From holding a cup themselves to picking their favorite toy, a child is constantly growing into their own unique person. However, it is between ages 3 and 5 that a child truly begins to show their personality. They become more comfortable using words instead of actions to communicate and instead of relying on their parents or caregivers, they begin to learn to assert a measure of control over themselves. They learn to calm themselves and their emotions more than in the past, learn to pay attention, and ultimately boost self-confidence.
Finally, by age 5, children begin to show empathy for their parents and understand that in the larger world, there are others with feelings beyond their own. With this new found understanding, they may begin to show affection far more quickly than in the past for parents, family, and animals. They become more contemplative as they gain life experience, although they may still often change their minds, at one moment returning to the demanding behaviors of infancy before becoming cooperative again.
As a parent or caregiver, there is much one can do to influence a child’s personality during this stage of their life. First and foremost, there is no one rule that applies to all children. Each one will be different in often unpredictable ways, and they can grow and develop in a healthy way when parented in a way that is responsive to their own unique needs. In addition, playing with others helps a child in all ways, be it mentally, physically, or emotionally. Children learn cooperation, dispute resolution, imagination, and envisioning themselves as people that they never thought possible before. Playing leads to creation, growth, and confidence in their growing sense of self.
Aside from interaction with others, a parent’s interaction with a developing child is vital. A child shouldn’t be pigeonholed with descriptions that tell them who they are, such as shy, demanding, or angry; instead a child should be allowed to find out who they are by their own experience. Moreover, a child looks to those around themselves as role models. When a developing child is watching, it is up to the parent to be the role model their child is looking for in patience, social interaction, and positive personality traits.
A child’s growth is effected by both their environment and their own nature. Both nature and nurture matter and influence how a child is molded and changes as their personality develops. It is additionally important not to try to influence a child and overwhelmingly push them into being the person a parent wants them to be. It is more important for a child to have their own experiences, to learn and react to outside stimuli based on their own instincts than to merely be told how to react to each circumstance.
The way a parent helps a child grow is equally as unique as the child themselves. While a child may have firmly established their personality when they reach the preschool years of 3-5 years old, they, like all people, can still change. While it may be challenging for a parent to learn how to react to difficult behaviors, time spent encouraging a child’s strengths and creating a loving home will make all the difference not just for these few years, but the child’s entire life as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.
Contact our experienced preschool teachers and care givers for more information on using an excellent preschool program to help develop and nurture a blossoming personality of your child. We have great curriculum and an incredible environment here at Kids ‘R’ Kids that will let your child learn, explore, grow, and develop into a budding young person.