Pay Attention and Talk to Your Three and Half Year Old

Download the 41st-42nd Month Newsletter (PDF) in English or Spanish

Parenting Tips for Your 41-42 Month Old Child

Your preschooler repeats “Mommy” or “Daddy” and pulls on your sleeve to get your attention. She wants to talk to you! It happens so often that you may not pay attention, but your child needs you to talk with her as often as you can.

• Be available Watch your child and find out when she likes to talk most. Is she a chatterbox in the car or right before she goes to sleep? This is a great time to start a conversation. Focus on her favorite interests such as an activity or cartoon character. This shows her that you want to talk to her and you are interested in the things that she cares about.

• Listen As adults, we know when a person is actually listening to us, and kids do, too. Try to stop whatever you are doing and focus on what she is saying.

• Repeat what you heard her say to make sure that you understood her This lets her know that you heard what she was saying. Make sure you soften reactions, as children tend to stop talking if they think you are angry or defensive. She needs to know that you hear and welcome her feelings.

Learn More About 41-42 Month Old Children

• Become a Reading Partner with Your 3 ½ Year Old Child
• Couples Can Deal with Conflict Before It Gets Out of Hand
• Development and Characteristics of a Three and One-Half Year Old Child
• If Your Child Misbehaves, Ask Yourself if He Understands the Rules
• Let Your Three and One-Half Year Old Help Prepare Food
• Nightmares and Night Terrors
• Outdoor Play Teaches Physical and Social Skills
• Prevent Misbehavior Before It Happens
• Spanking Does Not Teach Children What to Do
• Three and A Half Year Olds Believe Things are Alive and Magical
• Your Child May Show Signs of Stress by Crying or Temper Tantrums
• Your Child: 41-42 Months

Browse related Articles by tag: parenting, parenting enewsletters, 41-42 month old child