Parenting Tips for Your 49-50 Month Old Child
Preschoolers need loving reassurance and support. They have little control over their lives and are too young to use adult problem-solving skills to work through situations. Common stressful situations include:
- starting or changing child care or preschool
- the arrival of a new baby or family member
- being separated from a parent
- being disciplined
- toilet training
- worry that they will be deserted or starve
- fear of strangers
- scary things
- sickness
- the unknown
You will know that your child is suffering from too much stress if he:
- has less energy than normal
- is more irritable
- has night terrors or nightmares
- has more frequent temper tantrums
- becomes more clinging or demanding
- is crying more than usual
What can you do? It is up to you to recognize warning signs of stress and to help your child through the difficulty.
- Help your child understand the situation. Explain what is going on in simple, reassuring language.
- Encourage your child to talk about his fears. He needs to learn to say things like, “I don’t like it when your dog barks,” or “I’m afraid to go into that dark room.”
- Don’t tell your child that his fears are silly; they are very real to him. Ease his tension by offering understanding, support and plenty of affection.
- Holding and cuddling a young child will help to ease the stress.
- You can increase your child’s sense of security by remaining calm during times of difficulty.
When should you seek help? When you are not successful in attempts to help your child, or when the problem is too much for you to handle, get professional help.
Learn more about Your Child: 49-50 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
