Understanding your child development patterns

With encouragement, praise and a bit more patience, parents can develop a strong and meaningful relationship with their child, laying the foundation of understanding early.

The Trying 2s
Saying No is a common response from children of this age to everything parents ask them to do.

Two years old who can't get what they want throw tantrums very quickly but also get over them very quickly too.

They test it, taste it, press it, squeeze it...so don't leave anything dangerous lying around as they are curious at this stage.

Children at two do not like to share their things and they like to find out about everything so toys can be easily broken or torn apart.

Some called it the Terror Two as it may seem like a trying period but there is really no need ot be overly concerned. The two year olds are at a stage of exploring the world around them, trying to master skills on their own. They seek to achieve autonomy and to satisfy their curiosity. Thus, when they are frustrated, they have outbursts of tantrums and anger.

Provide lots of room for exploration in thier environment. Offer play things they can touch, press and taste. Give them toys that boost creativity and encourage exploration.

Distract the child when he is frustrated by providing alternative activities or give him a hand if he can't cope with a certain task.

Make a game out of the task you want him to do if the child responds with a "No".

The Trusting 3s
Children conform readily at this age because they like to please adults and get approval and acceptance.

They enjoy following instructions and working with other children. They also like to share now because they are very interested in other people.

They are very energetic and on the go almost every minute of the day and tire themselves out easily.

They are highly imaginative and live in a world of make-believe and are not yet able to distingush between the real and the imaginary. They will believe you if you tell them that the big, black dog is a bear.

Provide active games and fun for the child but be sure to give him rest periods throughout the day.

Provide time and materials for imaginative play. Play "Guese where I hide", "Can you be a bear?" with the child.

Provide cooperative activities for the child and his siblings and also with his neighbours or friends.

The Frustrating 4s
At this stage, they are inquisitive and ask many questions even when answers are given. They like to ask "Why?".

Because of their increased capacity for language, they are now more talkative and tend to talk incessantly and this can sometime frustrate and wear out the adults.

Children at four can often burst into laughter or tears at the same time. There are also sudden bouts of anger but the squalls are over quickly.

They have high motor drive which drive them to frequent activities like cycling, gym activities etc.

Encourage the child to ask questions. If you do not have an anwer, find out the answers together with the child - look up an encyclopedia or visit the library etc.

Encourage lots of large motor skills activities such as bicycle riding, jump etc.

Talk to your child, read to your child to build up his vocabulary skills. Allow him to participate in your conversation.

The Fascinating 5s
As they are good in language skills now, they like to talk, tell stories and quiz adults with wild questions.

Approval and acceptance are important at this stage, so there is a definite desire to please and cooperate with both parents and teachers.

They feel "grown-up" when they perform little tasks and duties and are always eager to help mum and dad do things like setting the table or washing the car.

Plan time for conversatin with your child like reading stories together. Encourage them to tell stories or share jokes.

Organize games for their participation and do encourage them to join in the group games.

Provide the child with responsibilities in the home such as setting the table, drying dishes, picking toys etc.

The Social 6s
They are easily distracted and cannot concentrate too long on any one task.

They are fidgety and restless and 6 years old have so much energy that they simply can't sit still. They are always engaged in active play like running, jumping or tugging.

They take an interest in everything around them from wriggly worms to stars in the sky. Reading books or watching cartoons are high on their list of favourite activities.

They are keen to compete in games and play and are sensitive about it. Some may show emotion such as crying when they lose in a game or play.

There is strong preference for friends and playmates of the same sex at this stage.

Develop in your child an interest of things in nature such as encourage him to collect sea sheels, rock etc.

Teach him how to play and compete in group games and emphasise more on the value of group effort, team spirit and having a good time rather than on winning.

Raise Happy, Healthy and Self-Confident Children

The biggest regrets that parents have later on in life is that they didn't spend enough time with their children and that they didn't do a good enough job.

You want the best for your children. You want them to be happy. You want them to be self-confident...

Do you want having more fun with your kids. No more arguments. No more yelling. Picture your family spending quality time together. Your daily routine - chores, homework, dinner, bath time - whatever the task - becomes easier than ever because your children listen to you.

If you want all that are listed above, learn the best techniques possible for raising your children with Brian Tracy.

Create Creative Thinker

An important point to remember is not to confuse creativity with artistic ability. Creativity is more than just artistic expression - it is the power to imagination and everyone has the innate ability to see or do things in new ways.

Parents can unlock the creative thinker in their child by cultivating four basic qualities:

Fluency
Fluency is creative agility. A child who is creative can generate numerous ideas when confronting a problem or seeking improvement. Test you child's fluency by getting him to name at least 12 possible uses for an umbrella. Allow him to come up with as many ideas as possible - both the silly and the solid. The best idea can sometimes be found among the silliest answers!

Flexibility
Flexibility is being able to approach a problem from multiple viewpoints. Develop your child's flexibility by role-playing in hypothetical situations. Get him to consider several back-up plans should his first idea fail to work.

Originality
Original thinking means surpassing established systems and ignoring accepted boundaries. Encourage your child not to be afraid to oppose, change or complement the norm. Try the game Scattergories and see who comes up with the greatest number of original ideas within a given category. Hone these skills in your child and you will find him blossoming into an innovative person who can thin on his feet!

Sensitivity
Creative thinkers must be sensitive to the problems they face in order to set realistic goals and find effective solutions. Some sensitive children tend to be overwhelmed or paralyzed by problems. Yet others are clueless about impending crises. Learning to balance between thee two extremes is invaluable to the creative thought process. To develop sensitivity, teach your child to put himself in another's shoes and anticipate potential problems.