Parenting Tips for Your 49-50 Month Old Child
Positive communication between parents and children happens when parents take the time to really listen to children’s feelings and what they have to say through conversation. Conversation is a shared verbal exchange between adult and child, not just an adult talking to a child or asking a bunch of questions. Start now so that when your child is a teenager he will want to talk with you.
Use these hints to have a conversation with your child:
- Encourage talking. Some children need an invitation to start talking. You might begin with, “Tell me the best thing about your day at school.” Children will share their ideas and feelings when others think they are important. Ask children the kinds of questions that will require more than “yes” or “no” or right answers. Simple questions such as, “What is the dog’s name?” are a dead end to a conversation. Questions such as, “What do you like about the dog?” or “What other dogs have you played with?” encourages talking.
- Extend the conversation. If your child says, “I like to watch TV,” then answer by using some of the same words your child has used. “What are some of the TV shows you like best?” If she says, “Sesame Street,” your response could be, “What happens on Sesame Street that you like seeing?” Avoid asking too many questions, though. Provide some of your own information such as, “I think Bert and Ernie are my favorite Sesame Street characters.”
- Be a good role model by waiting your turn to speak. Parents who listen to their children with interest, attention and patience set a valuable example. The greatest audience children can have is an adult who is important to them and interested in them.
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.
