Preschoolers are at the golden age of learning new challenges. But before they take the big step of learning key topics, they must undergo a long journey of growth and development.
It is crucial for parents to take note of their child’s habits and interests at a young age as these factors will also significantly impact their future. If you are a parent or know someone who is, it is vital to understand how you can help your child develop from a young age. Here are five ways to improve your child’s development in the best possible way:
1. Come to know your child’s interests and habits
When you have a baby, one of the first things you do is read up on their developmental stages. You check out what they can and can’t do, as well as watch for any signs that they could be struggling with something that is preventing them from developing. But what happens when they are a few years older? As they get older, they change, and so do their interests.
Knowing your child’s habits and interests at a young age will allow you to tailor their development and learning to better suit them. For example, if your child seems interested in numbers and letters, you can begin to introduce them to simple learning activities that will teach them the basics. If they’re more into sports and movement, you can help them develop their motor skills through physical games.
2. Provide a stable learning environment for your child to thrive in
As your child grows, providing them with a stable, learning-focused environment is crucial. You can do this by actively engaging with your child. You can spend time with them, read them stories, play games, and even spend time on one-on-one activities they enjoy. For example, if your child loves music and singing, you can play them some music and encourage them to sing along. If music isn’t their thing, you can engage them in activities they like. If they love painting, you can set up an easel and some paints for them to use.
From this early age, your child will grow to understand that communication and interaction are essential. They will learn that interaction will help them to thrive and develop. This is especially beneficial if your child attends a bilingual preschool in Singapore, as they can use the opportunity to interact with others in a different language.
3. Encourage your child to exercise
Getting your child engaged in sports or other physical activities as they become older will help them stay active and healthy. They will benefit intellectually and physically from this as well. Check to see what sports your child is interested in and encourage them to try them out. If they don’t show much interest in any, you can always introduce them to other activities that can help them to improve their health and fitness, such as yoga or tennis.
4. Keep an eye on your child’s diet
You’ll note as your child grows that, like you, their bodies require nourishment to function optimally. You are helping them obtain these nutrients by giving them the right foods.
If your child exhibits interest in food and seems to enjoy eating, you can help them make healthier choices by providing them with a balanced diet. You can achieve this by introducing them to nutritious foods and replacing high-calorie foods that don’t offer much benefit to their growing bodies with low-calorie alternatives.
As your child grows older, they will begin to notice what you are eating and be curious enough to try what you are eating. You can take this as an opportunity to guide them toward making healthier choices.
5. Be there for them and respond to their needs, even when they are not explicitly expressed
Children are complex, and as parents, you must be aware of this. All children are different, and so are their developmental stages. Some will be ahead of the game, while others will be behind.
It is critical to keep track of both the developmental milestones your child has already attained and those they still have yet to reach. Once they pass a milestone, you can move on to the next one. If they are behind, you can keep them engaged in activities that will aid in their catch-up.
You can encourage your child’s development and help them realise their full potential even if they have a developmental delay. Keep in mind that every child is different and will reach these milestones at their own pace. You shouldn’t be concerned if your child isn’t meeting someone else’s expectations. What matters is that they are reaching their own potential.
Conclusion
There are many ways to improve your child’s development, but there is no one way that works for every child. You need to monitor your child’s development and make sure they are progressing as they should. You need to keep track of the growth milestones they pass, as well as the ones they are still yet to reach. If they are behind, you need to understand why and do what you can to help them to keep up. By keeping tabs on your child’s development from a young age, you can help them to grow into well-rounded, healthy, and happy adults.
Viv’s Schoolhouse, an international preschool and childcare in Singapore, promotes experiential learning via practical experiences. Students will broaden their knowledge and develop important life skills such as curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking through our hands-on learning curriculum.
With the support of our dedicated teachers, your child will learn how to problem solve, explore new things, and build healthy self-esteem as they discover their world. Send us a message to learn more about our engaging programs.