Transcript of 3-5 years: Preparing your child for preschool.
Child: [Playing with family] Ready? Ready, set, go!
Narrator: Children's brains develop rapidly during pregnancy and early life, when experiences can have a big impact on them. And you are the perfect teacher to help build your child's brain.
Even though your preschooler is becoming more independent, you are still the most important person in their life. Your child cares more about what you think of them than anything else in the world. This strong attachment is so important.
Tell them what you love about them and notice the good things they do. Your child is probably enjoying trying new things and learning how to do things for themselves. This is building their coordination, their confidence and helping them prepare for starting school.
If you have more than one child at home, it can be hard to find time for everyone. Think about how your preschooler can help out with special tasks that make them feel important. Limit screen time to less than an hour a day for preschoolers. Your child learns more from time spent with real people than from sitting with a screen, even educational apps or videos are not as good as real conversations.
At this age, your child will like to tell stories and make their own books with pictures. Look at books together with simple words that your preschooler can try to remember or read. Let them look at the picture and guess what the word might be, or tell a story themselves. Looking through books is a lovely way to help settle your child at the end of a busy day, or if they need some quiet time.
Children learn by playing, pretending and experimenting with things. Spend some time each day doing things your preschooler likes. Spending time with your child, even just a short time, with your complete attention will make them feel special and is the thing they crave the most. Explore the outdoors and tell them stories about your family and the things you see.
You are doing the most important job of all - helping to build your child's brain. So you need to look after yourself too. If you need support talk to your child and family health nurse, or GP. Every parent or carer needs help sometimes. No role is more important than being a parent or carer. It's sometimes challenging, but will be worth it for you and your child.
To learn more about how to give your child the best start in life go to health.nsw.gov.au/buildingbrains.
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