At three years old, they are already being assessed on how they share crayons. Welcome to preschool. Most parents tend to focus heavily on academics. Letters, numbers, colors. However, early childhood teachers will tell you the same thing, what matters is whether your child can say “I am upset” instead of reacting physically. That’s what truly matters in preschool.
This stage is all about building emotional vocabulary. read more here Children that are able to identify their feelings are in a better position to manage them. Something as small as a broken pretzel can trigger a meltdown rather than a simple complaint. Preschool gives children daily practice in building this emotional strength.
The setup of the environment is more important than many parents think. Low shelves. Sinks at child height. Objects they can reach without asking adults. Such minor things silently accumulate independence. When a child is able to pick his/her own paintbrush, then they will no longer wait to be given the go ahead. This change is more significant than it seems.
Routine is one of the love languages of preschoolers. Predictability helps calm their nervous systems. Kids can relax and learn better when they know a snack comes after circle time. On the contrary, chaos keeps them on survival mode. A quality preschool runs on structure children can feel, even if they can’t explain it.
Parents even fear that their child is lagging behind since he/she is unable to write his/her name or count up to twenty. This is a reality check, a four year old who can take turns, deal with disappointment, cooperate with others to play is developmentally ahead in ways that will have a much longer lasting effect than reciting the alphabet.
Friendships at this age are light but meaningful. “You’re not my friend anymore” is said with full intensity at 10am and forgotten by 10:15. Kids are learning how to fix social conflicts. That is important. That skill - to fight, forgive and move on - accompanies them throughout their lives.
Struggle with drop-offs are not something to hide. There are some mornings that are like peeling an octopus a small, stubborn creature off your leg. It’s difficult. But it won’t last forever. Crying children tend to calm down in a few minutes. Educators have experienced this many times and they don’t judge parents.
It is in preschool where children learn to realize that they are not the only one in the family. It’s a profound, slightly intimidating, and very serious realization.