Preschool Child Behavior

Social Behavior

• Early in the preschool stage, around age three, your preschooler will begin to mimic the actions of her parents and playmates. She may become willing to share, and can easily separate from her parents. A little later, as she turns four, she begins to understand what it means to be a good playmate. Herplay becomes more interactive as she advances her social skills. This time also opens up your preschooler̵7;s curiosity to new experiences as well as an increased awareness and desire to problem solve.

Independance

• Preschool aged children begin flexing their independence from their parents or primary caregiver. They begin to insist on doing their normal daily tasks themselves. For example your preschooler will start wanting to pick out his own clothes and also want to dress himself. Your preschooler may also ask to help with household chores, want to shower by himself, or want to prepare his own food (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich offers a great independent lunch option).

Learning

• Cognitive skills begin to rapidly improve in the preschool years. By age three your child starts playing make believe, will more accurately sort by shape and color, will copy a circle and understand special concepts (such as under and over). At age four your preschooler will begin printing capitol letters, draws people with distinctive body parts (between two to four separate body parts), begins to understand patterns and can match like objects.

Language

• According to the Mayo Clinic, at age three your preschooler will be able to do some of the following: clearly say her name, answer simple questions, use pronouns in their sentences (such as I, you, we and they) and identify common objects. By the age of four your preschooler will also be able to identify the use of the common objects, will speak clearly enough for a stranger to understand her and tell simple stories. More advanced preschool language abilities include the understanding of rhyming, the ability to state her address and use future tense.

Tips

• According to the Mayo Clinic, all children learn and develop at their own pace. Normal behavior and milestone achievements should be used as a guide, not an absolute tool in determining your child̵7;s developmental advancement. If you feel any concern about your child̵7;s behavior, address these concerns with your child̵7;s doctor.