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So your child is a preschooler now!

You’ve now watched your tiny baby grow and develop into a little person! This is an exciting season for you and your child as they may be entering into a preschool setting and preparing for kindergarten. You’re watching them become increasingly more independent and their personalities are really starting to blossom. As hard as it is, embrace the moments and emotions that come with your child growing before your eyes.

One question we believe almost every preschooler is asking is, "Am I being heard?" As parents, we want to encourage our kids to share their emotions and experiences with us so that they feel like their true feelings are being heard. Sometimes we dismiss our preschooler’s “bad day” and big feelings, but this can lead to resentment and them shutting down. It’s important to have empathy for your kiddo, just like God has for us. By taking the time to listen and create space for your child to feel heard and respected, you will no doubt build stronger bonds with them!

If you've already been through the preschool phase with kids before, there is always something new to learn.

Ninety percent of your child’s brain is developed by the age of five, so at this stage they’re constantly asking questions and exploring the world around them. It’s at this age that they start paying more attention to people outside of their family and the world around them and these interactions help to shape their little personalities.

Your preschooler is more than likely testing their emotional and behavioral limits, so be sure to provide them with a safe space to do so with defined boundaries. Encourage their curiosity and learning with outside time, helping with everyday tasks, being creative with music, arts and crafts, and celebrating their successes with them!

It’s easy to underestimate our preschooler's ability to understand spirituality, but now is an excellent time to start helping them relate to God! Preschoolers LOVE stories, so introducing them to exciting biblical stories through a children's Bible is a great way to fuel their spiritual journey. Your child learns through play, so use food and toys as props when telling Bible stories, or let them move, shake, and dance to worship music; engage their senses!

Ways Your Child is Changing.

PHYSICALLY

  • Starts to walk backwards, balance on one foot, climb trees, etc.
  • Fine motor skills are improving; more skilled at things like cutting paper and writing letters.
  • Usually dresses themselves at this age.
  • Typically, kids have developed a left or right hand preference by now.

SOCIALLY

  • Loves telling stories and having conversations.
  • Becoming less self-centered and starts focusing more on others.
  • May start fighting with their siblings.
  • Very interested in new experiences.
  • Able to negotiate solutions to conflicts.

MENTALLY

  • Imaginary friends are normal at this age.
  • Can follow multiple-step instructions.
  • Will continue to be more independent and desire to do more on their own.

EMOTIONALLY

  • Mood swings are common at this age.
  • Has a tendency to be quite bossy with their friends.
  • Because of their increased vocabulary, name-calling may increase at this stage.
  • By offering choices to your child, you help boost their self-confidence.

The Three Most Important Things to Remember.

If you would like help or ideas on how to do any of these things, we are always here to help!

Resources We Recommend.

Books.

If you’re unable to afford any of these resources, please let us know—we’d love to help!

Teach Your Children Well
This book gives a brilliant, effective and yet simple perspective on how we can help our kids form a deep relationship with Jesus. This is for all of us imperfect parents with limited time and capacity.
Parenting Your Four-Year-Old
More than a journal, but not quite a detailed manual—it's a concise resource for busy parents to help them engage in each week of their child's life.
Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family
This book acts as a guide to creating a spiritually healthy home and offers scripture, spaces for reflection, and many applicable real-life examples.
The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids
This book will very practically provide you with resources on how to build a home filled with joy and peace. It includes useful skills and stories for every stage of development.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
A beautifully illustrated Bible containing easy to understand stories from the New and Old Testament that point to Jesus as our Savior.
Building Love Together in Blended Families
There are so many intricate relationships in blended families, so it’s important to have strategies to be stronger and healthier together. This book teaches healthy parenting practices with step-parents, the different and special dynamics of a stepfamily, and so much more.

Podcasts/Websites.

Bible App
This app has everything you need! Audio Bibles, creating prayers, studying the Bible with friends, and tons of Bible versions in tons of languages.
Respectful Parenting Podcast: Janet Lansbury Unruffled
Great podcast with each episode covering a common parenting question.
Parent Cue Blog
This website is crammed with tons of articles on many subjects with practical helpful advice.
Hi, I'm JB Walker!

I’m the Director of Early Childhood Ministries where I lead the ministry for the littlest members of Christ Community. I went to college to be a high school teacher, but once I became involved with Tiny Tots, it was clear this was the path God had me on. Connecting weekly with families and seeing the joy on our kids’ faces as they enter “their” church fills my heart. If you have any questions or needs, I would love to connect.

Tiny Tots is for children ages birth–preschool and meets during every weekend adult service time.  In addition, Tots Club meets most Wednesday mornings during the school year from 9-11 am.