Most often throughout the day, I am very focused on all of the wonderful things my preschooler has to tell me. In any given day, I may learn about his new friend at preschool, a piece of artwork he just made, or why he is going to be a superhero, named Jack, when he grows up.
Sometimes, however, he becomes either too excited about what he is saying or unfocused on his conversation, and his words do not flow quite as easily. There may be long pauses or he may even stop mid-sentence. At these times, I must remember to let him finish what he was saying.
It can be difficult not to put words in his mouth because we, as adults, have so many things we are trying to do that we try to hurry along everything, including our four-year-old’s conversation. It is important, however, to let our children finish their sentences.
Sometimes my son will get so lost in what he was saying that I may refocus the conversation. For example, if he is saying, “Uh…uh…uh…” or otherwise seems as though he has forgotten about what he was speaking, I may say something such as, “Ethan, I am confused. You were telling me about how you are going to build a tower. What is the tower for?” This is usually enough to get him refocused on what he was saying, and he is able to finish the conversation.
There are, of course, several techniques you can use. The most important one, however, is patience. Try not to put words in the mouth of your child. Think of how frustrating that would be if another adult tried to finish your sentences. A preschooler would feel the same way.
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Written by Laura on December 7, 2011
Last week we had good friends of ours staying as guests for the week. One of the many positive aspects of our relationship is that they have two little girls the same exact ages (within weeks of each other) as our two little boys. Corresponding friendships formed the first time they all met each other, and, although we, as the parents, think it is a bit early, our four-year-olds are already plan
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Written by Laura on July 9, 2010
Getting your child to mind his manners may sometimes seem like an impossible task. It may feel as though you have repeated the words “please” and “thank you” to your child a million times only to have him forget to use either sentiment when visiting relatives or friends. However, your determination will eventually pay off in the end. And, in the meantime, you are teachin
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Written by BRWI Staff on April 27, 2010
Most people like to stick with what they know. They would much prefer to stay within their comfort zone. It may not be as obvious to detect, but this description of people also applies to their dialogue, and children also tend to follow this pattern.
If you were to follow a person around ...
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Written by BRWI Staff on April 5, 2010