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!
One very important job of a parent is to teach your preschooler how to be independent and have self-care. Passing on those important, age-appropriate life skills is critical to helping your child become self-sufficient. But, some parents get lost in exactly how to do that. We have pulled together the top 5 tips for helping your preschooler learn the skills they’ll need in order to take care of themselves.
1. Give Your Preschooler Personal Responsibilities.
One of the easiest (and most effective) ways to teach your child to be responsible is to assign chores. The key to this method is to make sure that the task is age-appropriate so that you set them up for success and not failure. A simple chore for adults, like making the bed, may seem straightforward but it can be an overwhelming task for a 3 yr old. Start with simple things like putting all dirty clothes in the hamper or putting all of their blocks back into the toy bin after they’ve finished playing. Make chores easier and less frustrating will encourage your child to get them done.
2. Encourage Independence by taking a Step Back.
Letting your preschooler do things on their own is an important step in learning self-sufficiency. Many parents are eager to jump in and take over shoe tying or dressing duties when their child is having problems in hopes to save time or frustration. In reality, you are actually doing your child a disservice. The best way to assist your child if they are having troubles is to offer verbal guidance or encouragement. This will help your preschooler build confidence and allow them to learn from experience.
3. It’s OK for Them to Learn From Mistakes.
When a child makes a mistake, they learn an invaluable lesson of reward and consequences. If a preschooler wants to buy a toy, have them “earn” an allowance through chores. If your child refuses to do their chores, they won’t receive an allowance and won’t be able to get the toy they have been coveting. This can apply to many areas of everyday life from school to friends and more. Be there to encourage and guide as a parent, but don’t rush to fix their problems when they’ve encountered a consequence because of a mistake they’ve made.
4. Set Your Preschooler Up for Success.
Doing some behind-the-scenes prep work can go a long way in helping a child gain confidence even though they may be too young to complete a whole task on their own. Many preschoolers have developed a desire for independence and may ask to do things by themselves like prepare breakfast. In order to make it easier for your child, place a box of cereal in a place that can easily be reached and pre-measure a small bowl of milk on the table. When your child is ready to eat, they can pour out their own cereal which will not only make them feel proud, but will reward you with a little more time during your busy morning routine.
5. Encourage Your Preschooler to Use Problem Solving
As your preschooler grows, problem-solving skills will become more and more important to navigate the ups and downs of daily life. When your preschooler comes to you with a problem they are capable of solving on their own, commit to offer clues instead of automatically giving them a solution. Even if it will take a few extra minutes, it’s worth the invaluable skill of learning how to solve their own problems with confidence.
Our incredible staff and educators at our East Orlando area preschool love watching our students grow and develop. We encourage independence and self-sufficiency and are here to guide them as necessary. If you’d like to learn more about our award winning preschool & VPK programs, contact us today.