What Are Your Common Concerns Parenting a Preschooler?

I found 'What to Expect the Toddler Years" to be quite a good book and I referred to it for many years.
When our son was little - sitting at a computer and Googling questions/answers - well there was no time for it.
When we were home we spent most of our time on the floor with our kid.
Finding Mamapedia (was Mamasource back then) when he was a few years older became a great source for sharing concerns and getting answers.

Once they were in preschool, mine were in daycare at least part time so I kind of had a clue I wasn't the only one and then I didn't worry so much. I found the baby years the hardest so by the time we reached toddlerhood, I just felt immense relief :)

We had some concerned regarding development (hearing and such) and so we had professionals involved. I guess our concerns were not likely typical. That was a stressful period (with one of our children) when I think back.

Sleeping by that age wasn't a concern. I had figured that out. I did have to get up early with a couple of mine and I just viewed that as a phase and part of parenting. It was short lived in the grand scheme of things.

Eating - mine were 'picky' for quite a few years (until school age) but I learned, like everything, to work around it. Pick your battles. Instead of viewing it as them being picky, they had certain things they liked over others. My kids still do to this day, but within their 'range' there were quite a few options. So I expanded on those. I just offered something most would like at mealtimes with a side or two they would also like. Life is too short to make meal times stressful. They are all now pretty good eaters - it happened naturally, over time.

I think what I wish I could go back and tell myself is - work with them, their natural sleep rhythms, their natural likes/dislikes, their personalities, etc. instead of trying to work against them. That would have saved me a lot of time and frustration those early years. I did finally figure it out. When I see moms with lots of kids, and they don't look harried but they look like they've figured it out - that's often why - they've had time to practice. They learned to go with the flow.

But food, toilet training (again, go with your child's own development), sleep, common behavioral issues (tantrums, etc.) ... are the common ones.

The book B mentions below was helpful in knowing what to expect/when.

I have my third preschooler in my house at the moment. My only real concern is the constantly YELLING as speaking. They are so loud. I whisper a lot.

The sleep fighting thing can be solved by changing the routine to include a special story by daddy, a back rub, etc. They want to be big but still feel small, so you have to figure out how to baby without babying. Their sleep time also is moving later -naturally.

I find that the key to a preschooler is just being very, very present with them. Listen. Give hugs. Tell them you love them. When they get upset, listen, ask if you can give them a hug. If they yell they hate you, just say," that makes me sad, but it's OK, i love you no matter what." If they yell "i wish you were dead (a friend's son told her this today), you just say,"that hurts, I don't like it when you talk to me that way," and then leave the room. Just remain calm and in control. Tell them how you want to be treated in a kind and loving voice. No lectures. No discussions. If you must make a point, just ask," would you like it if I treated you this way?" End of discussion.

I hated my oldest at this age. I kind of liked my 2nd at this age. My third? Oh my, how cute! They want to feel big, so give them some jobs and help them be big. A few suggestions for jobs: sorting silverware and putting it away. Making the bed by "tucking in the cuddles." Cleaning the doors and windows with cleaner (they love to spray things). Empower, love and listen.

Food. I just do not worry about it. The picky eating eventually will go away. (around 8 or so they begin to explore food again).

before i had kids i worked in daycare. and in that working time i spend time with every age group. so from birth till age 6 i had experience and had dealt with many issues children create. i also have many nieces and nephews and would seek advice from other parents so i didn't really have to many concerns that i could not find immediate advice for. what family didn't know i asked about on a parenting site and gained help that way

looking back i wish i'd spent more time just grooving on them and less time wringing my hands over predictable shifts and phases.

keeping up with pre-schoolers can be exhausting, but oh my, aren't they fun?

the main thing i wish is that i'd been able to work less and keep them home with me more. my little boys spent a LOT of time in daycare. you do what you gotta do, but it wasn't ideal.
khairete
S.