Choices
Offer choices only after you have made your boundaries clear, “It’s time for bed.” (boundary) “Do you want to hop or skip?” (choice)
Offer choices only after you have made your boundaries clear, “It’s time for bed.” (boundary) “Do you want to hop or skip?” (choice)
• Tell them what they are doing right; “You were so helpful taking your dishes to the sink. Thank you!”
• Describe what you see with enthusiasm; “You used 12 blocks to build that tower! Wow!”
• Rather than command, demand or belittle in our comments, ask problem solving questions like “Can you think of another way to tell me what you want?” or ”Is that a good idea or not a good idea?” “What else could you do instead of _______?” (Raising a Thinking Child by Myrna Shure)
• Limit “classes” like ballet, gymnastics etc. to one a week.
• Children need time to be in spontaneous free play to get enough practice in their social/ emotional development and imaginations.
• Sleep should total between 11 and 12 hours including naps. Bedtime can move to between 8:00 and 8:30 pm.
• Some children at this age will begin to outgrow naps. Rest time, without sleep, should still be encouraged every day in the nap window 12:00-2:00 pm. The brain is still developing and needs rest.