The terrible two’s often gets all the press, but it can be even harder to manage the behavior of a four year old.Parents of four-year-olds dream their children will listen and obey every word they say.It is absolutely not going to be easy, but there are multiple tips to assist you in this.
The following are four quick tips from Sherilyn’s Walnut Creek Day Care that will help you improve your four year old’s response to you.
First, be persistent in listening to your child. It is absolutely critical for you to understand what your child means to say, and until you convey this understanding, it can be very hard for a child to get past that thought. You can avoid fighting with your child by essentially entering the world that they’re describing. This is illustrated in acknowledging their desire such as when they find a toy in the store they want, simply acknowledging (without necessarily buying), “You’d like this toy, wouldn’t you?”
Second, when your child is acting up, be sure to tell them exactly what you expect from them instead of telling them what you don’t want from them. It is simply a way to say the same thing but in positive terms.This can have a powerful influence on your child’s closeness to you.
Third, discipline your child calmly. A calm punishment accompanied by an explanation as to why you are punishing them can be very effective.Do not apologize when punishing your child.Your behavior is not at fault, and if you make it seem that way to your child, they will only continue their bad behavior.It is crucial at some points to apologize to your child, but only if you are actually in the wrong. Simply because punishment is painful to them does not make it wrong.
Finally, follow through with the punishments you have alluded to. Failure to do so reduces the integrity of your word and confuses the child.If you set a clear consequence for an action like, “Unless you do this, you will not be able to stay at your friend’s home tomorrow night,” and they still do not listen, it is important to stay true to your word. It is also important therefore that threats not be unrealistic in their punishment. It may scare the child, but if you are to keep your word, the punishment might not fit the crime. Make sure your child understands that you are someone who follows through on their words.
If you are looking for Walnut Creek Child Care, take a look at Sherilyn’s Walnut Creek Preschool for young toddlers. The children at this home day care seem relaxed, social, happy, and the learning program is excellent.