Top Questions & Answers for Parents of Preschoolers

You may have questions about your preschooler's development.

Parents of preschoolers often have an array of questions about their child's development and learning. From wondering if your little one is meeting milestones in a typical way to behavioral problems and educational issues, understanding the intricacies of your developing child isn't always easy. Before worrying that your preschooler isn't stacking up to other kids her age, check out the answers to some of your -- and other parents' -- frequently asked questions.

Normal Development

By the time that your child reaches the preschool years, between three and five years old, you may begin to see developmental differences between him and his friends. Many parents of preschoolers wonder if their child is developing normally. Most preschoolers reach some milestones during certain time periods. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children website notes that between the ages of four and five, most kids can print some letters, draw shapes, stand on one foot, count to 10 and tell fantasy from reality.

Normal Behavior

If you are wondering if some of your preschooler's behaviors are normal, you aren't alone. According to the child development experts at the Kids Health website, some behaviors such as tantrums, are completely normal for young children. Your preschooler's emotional immaturity and need for independence can often cause outbursts, defiance and unpleasant actions. If your child's behaviors seem troubling to you or involve constant tantrums and negative actions, consult your pediatrician or another qualified expert.

Kindergarten Readiness

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that there are several factors that enter into answering the question of kindergarten readiness. These include your child's development across all areas -- social, emotional, cognitive and physical -- along with her language and communication skills and general knowledge. Whether or not your child is ready to start kindergarten doesn't always have an easy answer and isn't necessarily subject to a standardized test. The true answer depends on your child, your beliefs on school readiness and the preschool teacher's guidance.

Preschool Learning

Wondering if your preschooler is getting the most out of her educational experience is a typical question for many parents. The preschool environment offers an array of learning opportunities. This may mean that you are left unsure as to what she should learn and if she is getting the best education possible. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a preschool education should include content areas such as early literacy, science and technology, health, social studies, mathematics and the creative arts.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics; Healthy Children; Developmental Milestones -- 4 to 5 Year Olds
• American Academy of Pediatrics; Healthy Children; Normal Child Behavior
• American Academy of Pediatrics: School Readiness
• KidsHealth: Temper Tantrums
• National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Curriculum