S/o one line tips... for parents of preschoolers

[Anonymous]

This is a spin off of the baby shower thread of one line advice. What’s your best one line advice for parents of new preschoolers? DD is three and has just entered the threenager stage (although she tantrumed hard at 2, so this isn’t brand new to me). Would love to hear good advice!

[Anonymous]

Don't pick a battle unless you intend to win.

[Anonymous]

Always keep your word. The easiest way to do that is to never say "no." Just say "later."

For example:
"Can I have a cookie?"
"Later."

That way, if you give in 5 minutes later, it's still technically later, and you still kept your word. If you say "no," then you can never give in.

[Anonymous]

Structure and consistency can make everything easier on everyone. But don't be too too rigid. On weekends, get out of the house early in the day to get fresh air, no matter the weather.

[Anonymous]

I have an exceptionally stubborn 3 year old, too, so I'm following this for advice!

[Anonymous]

They won't still be [doing/not doing X] in college.

Academic skills are not a prerequisite for kindergarten success; ability to relate to others and zip your own jacket is.

D1 recruiting has no interest in U4 stats.

Caillou is the devil.

Teach them how to do it themselves rather than doing it for them -- takes longer in the short term, but pays off in so many ways.

[Anonymous]

Remember that its hard for them too.

We find things annoying and frustrating, but they are also at a stage where we are teaching them to independent even when they are hesitant to do so, but also stop them from being independent when it makes sense to us. They don't understand our reasons and have so many conflicting rules to follow. So when it gets too much, breathe and remind yourself that the kid is also struggling.

[Anonymous]

One thing I wished I had done was to let them in the kitchen while I was cooking. It was so much easier to set them up with a toy or game while cooking and get the cooking done myself. Then I watched a documentary about little 4-years olds in Kenya who were absolutely competent in the kitchen, even with knife skills. Anyway, after watching that show, beginning at about age 5 & 7, I allowed them to help me in the kitchen any time they asked, which was a true pain in the neck and very stressful. But it really didn't take too long for them to gain competence, especially if asked them to repeat certain tasks, eg, peeling carrots, or slicing vegetable for a salad. And now, voila, I have very competent cooks and bakers. They are now 9 and 11.

[Anonymous]

Act as you mean to continue.

[Anonymous]

If it’s shat on beyond recognition, just throw it out, it’s not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Only make threats you intend to follow through on (DH, I’m looking at you!)

All of this will be adorable and funny one day. Many years in the future.

Give limited choices when the result does not matter (ie “do you want grapes or an apple” not “what would you like for snack”)

+1,000 to PP: Calliou is a whiny little brat and not allowed in our house

[Anonymous]

You can't control a lot of things, but you can control your reaction. Do your best to not react to them when they are acting up--calm expression, calm voice.

[Anonymous]

Stay the course. It is MUCH harder to enforce rules/expectations than it is to give in, but stick with it.

"We'll see" is my go-to response to questions when I need to buy more time to consider my answer or any time I don't want to commit to an answer for whatever reason.

Let them exercise as much independence as possible. I find that it helps when I have to enforce boundaries or say no to something else.

There is no shame in reasonable amounts of screen time.

[Anonymous]

Only make threats you intend to follow through on (DH, I’m looking at you!)

THIS X 23048290849034

[Anonymous]

Love them for who they are - and recognize they are not generally capable of managing their emotions.