Preschoolers
Age 3-5 Years
Not a baby anymore, not even a toddler, your little one is a Preschooler -- what is often called the Wonder Years. And wondrous they are, as your little one gains the ability to manage herself and control her emotions -- most of the time!
Want cooperation? Connect with her, and make your routines fun.
Want a preschooler who goes to bed easily and doesn't have potty accidents? Make sure you meet his needs for security.
Want a kid who talks instead of hitting or tantrumming? Develop his emotional intelligence by empathizing and talking about feelings.
Here's your game plan for bringing out the best in your preschooler.
Start Here:
Game Plan for Peaceful Parenting Your Preschooler
With a little help from you, these "wonder years" will build a secure and unlimited foundation for your son's or daughter's entire childhood.
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Positive Parenting Your Preschooler: Daily Life
Here's how to manage your three or four year old to maximize the joys of daily life, and minimize the struggles.
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The Cure for Whining
Whining is a symptom of a deeper issue. So if you want to eliminate whining, you have to address what's underneath.
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Getting Your Preschooler To Sleep
Top ten tips to help your three to five year old settle into bed peacefully and stay there all night long.
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Why Every Home Needs a Calm-Down Corner
Use time-ins, a cozy corner and co-regulation to help your child calm those big emotions.
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Managing Your Own Separation Anxiety
A 12-step program for parents to develop goodbye rituals, honor your feelings, and help your child make a smooth adjustment to school.
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Play, Creativity and Toys
Why Play is so important to your child's development and how to choose toys to nurture intellectual, emotional, physical and social development.
Read MoreFolks, she's brilliant. It's wonderful to have parenting experts who don't see the child as the enemy in a locked combat, for one thing. I recommend it.
"Your emails are life savers! So well thought-out and written!" - Helene Brazier-Mitouart
"I'd really recommend Laura Markham's Aha! parenting books and website for brilliantly practical ways to parent with kindness instead of punishment." - Makchoon
Makchoon
I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.
I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.
My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.
"Another brilliant article, pulling compelling information together in a readable way. Thank you so much for the work you do. You help me as a parent of teenagers, and I pass your articles on to clients." - Nancy Eisenberg
Thank you so much for this great advice! You give me ideas for how I can "do it better" and that lifts me up with hope and positivity too!
"I just want to say that the advice about dealing with toddlers on this website is excellent. It is amazing how much my attitude changes my son's behavior. If I make an effort to empathize with him, he is so much more cooperative. It does take an effort -- after all, I have a lot to do and I don't always want to take the time. But I find it is worth it to avoid the tantrums and fussing. He is much better behaved now, and other people even comment on it."
Jennifer
Today I say thank you, tears streaming from my face, so proud of my little boy and all he will become. Thank you. - Jennifer B.
Jennifer B
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Dana Questad
