| Raising children in today's society can be an | | | | see the end result. For example, when cooking |
| overwhelming, sometimes exhausting, roller coaster. At | | | | breakfast, let them stir the eggs while explaining even |
| every age, a child will experience different mental | | | | though they can't use the stove, they are still |
| development and understanding of the way the world | | | | responsible for them being cooked. |
| around them works. Specifically, the ages of 3 and 4 | | | | Another factor to consider is the importance of |
| can be difficult for children and parents. This is often a | | | | consistency. Even though it can seem easier just to |
| time when independence and defiance take center | | | | give in sometimes, the child will never understand if the |
| stage. | | | | same restrictions are not always followed. Parents |
| There is no "normal" way for children this age to act. | | | | should try to be on the same page when it comes to |
| Every child is different. While there are methods to | | | | what they consider to be difficult and the |
| help guide you along the way, some tactics will need | | | | consequences the child will face. |
| tweaking to help fit the parents needs. One key in | | | | Children will often react negatively when an adult yells |
| handling these behaviors is patience. Remember that | | | | at them; because they have been ask not to yell. Even |
| they are still learning their way. What may not seem | | | | in stressful situations, parents must remember they are |
| like a big deal for us can cause inappropriate behavior. | | | | the adults, and the children still have lots to learn. |
| Because independence is such an issue for this age | | | | Do you want to learn exactly how to eliminate your |
| group, it is important for a parent to help their little one | | | | child's out-of-control and defiant behavior without using |
| feel as independent as possible, while still giving them | | | | Punishments, Time-Outs, Behavioral Plans, or |
| the appropriate boundaries. By letting them help in small | | | | Rewards? |
| steps of projects, they feel accomplished when they | | | | |