Parenting Preschoolers Ages 3 and 4: Positive Discipline, Healthy Routines, and Emotional Growth

People, this stage is truly remarkable that we need to deepen and tighten our attention to them.

The pre-10 and teenage years are marked by rapid emotional, social, and neurological development.

Young people often experience intense emotions because the areas of the brain responsible for judgment or self-control are still nurturing.

What may seem like defiance is often part of a learning independence and decision-making.

Parents who understand these developmental states respond with patience rather than frustration.

Recognizing the science behind the adolescent's behavior allows families to replace conflict with compassion and guidance.

That's so good, Daniel.

You know, because it is change for the parents too, because you've had these nice cuddly little ones and now they seem more remote.

They don't seem to need you as much as they did before.

And that independence can feel threatening as a parent.

You're like, what do they don't love me anymore? Or your sons are like, oh, don't kiss me in front of anybody, mom.

Whereas before they were happy for hugs and kisses.

And that can feel disconcerting to a parent.

It's just that they

need

to embrace their new sense of independence and honor their boundaries.

Because it's not any reflection or rejection of their parents.

It's just them exploring and spreading their wings at being more independent.

And they're starting to care a little bit more about what their peers think than just what their parents think.

So this is not a rejection.

but it's a new found independence that your little tweenagers are experiencing.

And so we don't personalize that.

We have to understand that they are growing and it's a good thing.

They're growing indeed and we need to support them.

Strong relationships are built on trust, not intimidation.