preschooler [3–5 years]

dr spock’s parenting book, Baby and Child

Care is on its 7th edition, is translated into 39 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies, making it second in sales only to the Bible

In Your Home

Play dates can become awkward if behavior expectations are different for each kid involved. It’s confusing to your own kids if they see others kids “getting way” with behaviors they are not allowed to indulge in.

Play Date Gone Wrong

Your four year old son’s friend has been bossing him around during a pretend game of baseball and then he refuses to help clean up the mess he made.

what you want to do: assist him quickly to the naughty step and call his mom to tattle on him.

what you should do: provide a gentle reminder, which can be heard by both kids, “In our home, we pick up the toys when we are done with our game”. Steer clear of time-outs unless you’ve gotten the okay from the other parent to give one. Even then, save it for more glaring misbehavior, like throwing toys or being defiant.

All In The Family

Even though you and your siblings were raised under the same disciplinary framework, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be on the same page with it comes to raising your own kids. Throw in a few other relatives at a family gathering and it’s inevitable parenting styles will be different.

Potty Mouth

Your eight year old nephew relentlessly teaches your preschooler dirty words, and your brother doesn’t notice [or pretends not to].

what you want to do: scoop up your virgin-ear preschooler and scold your potty-mouthed nephew until your blue in the face.

what you should do: count to five and calmly ask your nephew to clean up his act, “You’re older, know better and it’s not very cool to use these words in front of Joe.” Let your bro know about the situation and that it doesn’t fly with you. Talk to your preschooler about the naughty words too and why it isn’t cool.