The preschool years are some of the most important and influential of a child’s life. During these years, much of a child’s physical and brain development takes place, and it’s this development that will play a role in shaping their future for the rest of their lives.
Positive child development needs to begin at a very early age, so what can you do as a parent to ensure the best start in life for your preschool-aged child or children?
Let’s look at some ideas.
#1 – Develop Routines With Your Child From An Early Age
As human beings, we are creatures of habit. It’s essential to learn so many things and perform various autopilot functions. For this reason, it’s vital to help your young child develop routines from a very early age.
Routines might include keeping their bedroom tidy, helping to prepare the family meals, doing some chores around the home, playtime and exercise time. Patterns provide a sense of comfort and security. They also help to teach character traits like self-discipline.
#2 – It’s Never Too Young To Start Education
Once a child has progressed to the stage where they are talking, you can start educating them on the basics of Mathematics and English. Rather than giving them assignments to do, make things like math a bit more fun. Have your child count the sweets or treats they have; start teaching them colours very early on. If you mention a word they don’t understand, explain what the word means in a language or scenario they can easily comprehend.
No matter how you choose to do it, so long as your child finds it fun, they’ll be interested and learn.
#3 – Encourage Kids To Be Creative
There’s nothing like a bit of creativity to expand the way someone thinks. This is very effective as an adult, but it’s even more effective in young children. When kids are painting, drawing, playing an instrument, writing or indulging in any other creative activity, it’s generally using both sides of their brain simultaneously. There are not many things more pertinent to positive brain development at a young age than creative pursuits.
Coupled with helping the brain top and growing when kids try their hand at various creative activities, they just might uncover a natural talent that could nurture as they grow older. It’s also a lot of fun.
#4 – Organise Group Play Time With Other Kids
Having your child or children play with other kids around their age isn’t all about fun, although that will be one of the primary goals. When kids play together, they learn things like teamwork, communication skills, socialising skills, self-confidence, and so much more.
Children need to learn these necessary aspects of life very early on. If they know how to communicate, interact and socialise with other children before they start school, the more school-ready and confident they’ll be when the time comes.
#5 – Give Praise Often But Don’t Be Fake
Everyone responds positively to praise, and you should praise your child every time they do something right or do something well. Praise should never be fake, though, as this will only lead to a false sense of security and confidence to truly grow in faith; young children need a mix of praise and constructive criticism. A good combination will ensure a very balanced child who doesn’t harbour unrealistic opinions about themselves.
#6 – Enrol Your Child In An Early Learning Centre
Early child care centres are plentiful. They aim to teach young kids about everything, prepare them for school, learn the basics in core subjects, train kids about healthy living through a child care nutrition program and expand their minds through music therapy for kids.
If you want to give your child the very best start in life before they begin school, consider enrolling them in an early learning centre for a year or two first.
The Takeaway
For kids to have the best chance in life, development on every level needs to start young. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help your child develop and grow both physically and mentally in positive ways.