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Preschoolers

Things You Can Do

Tips for Parents

  • Help your child take on new challenges and responsibilities.
  • Support your child’s interest in pretend play. Join in when invited.
  • Don’t expect your child to see the world as you do.
  • Include your child in everyday projects such as cooking or gardening.
  • Respond with understanding and reassurance to your child’s fears— whether they are real or imagined.
  • Young children learn by doing. Encourage hands-on learning rather than watching TV or playing computer games.

Prepare Your Child for School

  • Nurture your child’s curiosity about the world.
  • Answer your child’s questions with simple explanations.
  • Make sure your child has time to play with other children.
  • Read and discuss stories with your child. Point out the letters, numbers and pictures. Visit www.readcalifornia.org.
  • Make regular visits to the library and take your child to interesting places, such as museums, zoos and music performances.

Start Good TV Habits When Your Child Is Young

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children not watch TV for more than 1 or 2 hours a day. Children under 2 shouldn’t watch TV at all.
  • Turn off the TV during meals.
  • Use a TV guide and rating system to find shows for family viewing. Ask your cable company how to lock out channels you don’t want your child to watch.
  • Don’t use TV to reward or punish your child.
  • Keep your child away from programs that show violence and aggression. These programs can scare your child and set a bad example for dealing with anger.
  • Watch TV with your child and help him understand what he sees.
  • Encourage other activities, like games, sports, hobbies, reading and chores. Set a good example.