I read somewhere that a child should be treated like a king till the age of five. A Child's personality is influenced by his/her background, environment, physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. Their personal experiences are what makes them unique and help to mould the person that they are going to become. Closely observing your child at home and at play can help you have a better understanding of who they are and what their needs are.
After going through many studies and with my personal experience, I have found that the most crucial stage of a child is from 3 to 5 years of age. This is the stage when toddlers notice and learn different things. The age of a child till five is very challenging for parents as well. If your kid has spoiled the most precious thing of yours, there is no point shouting at him as he will not understand and might repeat the same later also. Keep your patience as life takes different turns at different stages and we just have to tackle it with care.
Important measures:
• The most important thing we have to follow is to leave behind our irritation and anger and tender our child with love and affection. Yes, my dear, you are thinking right-you need to change your behaviour when dealing with your toddler. Your life partner might take your attitude and understand your irritation but your child will not.
• Consider this age as basic and whatever you teach them at this age will remain with them throughout.
• Parents should avoid arguing with each other when the child is around. It has been observed that the child whose parents did not have better understanding with each other tends to develop a different personality.
• Make eating fun to avoid "food jags" and pickiness by preparing food in fun shapes or with different dipping sauces (e.g. cheese spreads, yogurt, etc.)
• Involve your child in completing little task like keeping their toys at place or arranging plates at the dining table and never forget to praise them while doing so.
• Tell them stories which teach them good lessons and increase their faith in God. This will boost up their confidence.
• Asking "why" is a favourite activity for your child during this period. Your child wants to know what causes the events around him. Try to answer to all his questions and as far as possible tell them the true reasons for the questions they ask.
• Be generous in expressing your love for your children. Spend time with them, nurture them, and teach them. Doing so will bring happiness to them and to you.
• Understand the meaning of child abuse. Every child at every age carries their own dignity. Do not try to hurt that. Never hit a child or shout at them in front of anybody.
• Children at this age often get irritated and try to misbehave to gain your attention. You might not understand the reason as they are not able to tell you the same. You need to handle them with patience. Be attentive to maintain their feeding and sleeping time. This will avoid half of the problems.
This beautiful time will never come back friends! I am sure you must have gone through many sleepless nights or given up your jobs and enjoyments to take care of your child. At later part of your life you would really want this time to come back...So enjoy the time and cherish the beautiful memories.