Preparing your child for preschool

by Priya Solomon Bellani |

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  1 / 7

  Self-confidence and self-awareness

  Shyness is quite normal at this age. Boost your child's confidence and help her feel comfortable in social situations by letting her interact with others at her own pace. Getting her used to a small, safe group could be the key to moving into larger, more active groups in school.
  
  Offer your child choices so she learns to make her own decisions and support her when she does. Does she want to have some lassi or mango milkshake? Would she like to do a jigsaw puzzle or read a book? Would she like to play indoors or outdoors?
  
  Give your child the opportunity to develop her independence. Ask her to do small tasks by herself such as:
  

  • pairing socks after they have been washed
  • watering the flower pots
  • putting glasses on the table for a meal

  
  Encourage her to tidy up her toys, books and games after using them too.
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  2 / 7

  Positive relationships

  The best way for your child to build friendships is through play. Let her play with her friends as much as possible.
  
  Talking and playing with adults other than you and your husband will help her social skills too.
  
  Try imaginative play. Children this age enjoy fantasy play – for example, pretending to host a tea party for stuffed animals. A simple cardboard box can be a boat in a stormy sea one day and a rocket ship the next. Come up with new ideas together!
  
  Why not try our month-by-month play guide for inspiration?
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  3 / 7

  Feelings and behaviour

  Read books and watch shows and television programmes with your child that explore a range of feelings and emotions.
  
  Ask her why she thinks a character is sad, or why he's excited. Would she feel the same in that situation? Having these conversations are a great way to encourage empathy.
  
  Help your child to be safe by telling her how to behave in different situations. Explain why you look before crossing the road, and why she should hold your hand and never run off.
  
  She might not be ready for conversations about how to deal with strangers, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Your school-age child should know that although it's okay to say hello to neighbours, friends, teachers and classmates she doesn't have to talk to or go with any stranger.
  
  To know more read our article on how to talk to your child about strangers.
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  Listening to her

  When your child speaks to you, turn to give her your full attention, and make eye contact. Showing her how to listen to others is the easiest way for her to learn!
  
  Play listening games like I spy, Simon says, passing the parcel and musical statues. Take turns listening to each other tell stories.
  
  Saying your child's name before you start talking to her will help her know when you're speaking to her and give her time to focus her attention on you.
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  Speaking and understanding

  Talk to your child about everyday activities. For example, you could ask her why she thinks you're cleaning the plates or why it's important to wash vegetables before you cook them. Or explain how pulling up weeds gives the other plants room to grow.
  
  Try to sit down for mealtimes together at the table so you can each talk about your day and avoid having the television on in the background. This is a good way to learn socialising and keeping the focus on each other!
  
  Learn more about your child's talking timeline and how she will begin to understand words, behaviour and concepts as she grows.
  
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  Physical development

  It is important for your child to be active. Visit the park go for a walk, let her play in the garden or encourage her to cycle or kick a ball around.
  
  When indoors, get arty with your child. Give her child-safe scissors for cutting play dough and paper. And let her have fun drawing, scribbling and painting.
  
  Help your child to dress and undress herself. Dressing up in your clothes or in a costume is a great way to add some excitement.
  
  Try these strategies to keep an active toddler occupied indoors!
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  Encouragement!

  Above all, offer your child plenty of encouragement. Help her learn about things that interest her. For example, if she loves animals, teach her their proper names. Why not download our animal colouring pages to make learning fun?
  
  Help her to be curious and let her try new things when she asks. Help her experiment with different ways of doing things and talk about why it did or didn't work.
  
  Give her lots of cuddles and praise when she achieves something so she feels proud and valued. She'll want to learn more if she knows it pleases you!
  
  Learn more about encouraging positive behaviour!
  

Priya Solomon Bellani

Priya Solomon Bellani is BabyCenter India's Deputy Editor.

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