What is a preschooler? Or should we say, who is a preschooler? In some countries preschool is called reception or nursery. Our definition of a preschooler is a child between the ages of 2 1/2 and 5. They have passed the toddler stage and are not quite ready for kindergarten.
Sometimes you will hear “the terrible two’s or the terrifying three’s”. But, if you try to understand the changes your child is going through between the ages of 2 and 5 you will not need to give them such labels. There will be days where your child will be a monster and others he may be a little angel. This is because he is developing independence and learning so many new things. It can be frustrating for him at times and for his parents as well.
Preschoolers have developed language skills and can communicate their wants and needs. At times this is the most fabulous skill and at others it can be very difficult to deal with. They are physically able to do more things than they could as toddlers; this means they have more mobility and can do many tasks on their own. But, it also means you need to keep your eyes and ears open to make sure they are safe. They are developing social skills as well. Children start by parallel playing, this means they play next to each other, not necessarily talking or interacting in anyway. It is possible they will talk to each other or watch one another, but not always. Eventually during the preschool years they learn to play with each other and start to develop friendships. As you can see there are a lot of things going on for your preschooler, development, independence and growth to name a few.
However, preschoolers also have fears and insecurities. Parents need to tend to all of these needs with patience and care. Your child may love going to school and then suddenly one day cry and throw a fit saying he doesn’t want to go. This could be because he has a bit of separation anxiety today. You need to reassure him that he will have fun at school and you will be here when he returns. Let him know that his teacher and friends are waiting for him and there will be lots of things to do; it will be time to come home before he knows it.
Just like everyone else, preschoolers are all different. Each and every child will develop at his own pace, have his own likes and dislikes and strengths as well as weaknesses. Don’t expect your child to be just like your neighbor or even just like his big brother. Tread softy but with an even keel; routines and rules should always remain the same. If you maintain a consistent pattern, your child will know she is loved and will develop happily and safely.