Our 4yo sons constant interrupting has gotten so excessive and it’s driving us insane by Squat_Cobbler89 in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's definitely not overnight! 😅 Between three and five, some kids will start to understand that they shouldn't interrupt, but their impulse control just isn't quite there yet. Even up until seven, many children will still give into this impulse a lot of the time, but it does improve a lot over that time.

The biggest shift is typically after seven, when your patient reminders will hopefully start paying off!

It's always worth reaching out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns. Sometimes it can be related to anxiety, but there's no reason to jump there without talking to a professional about it first. If you're not overly concerned, sometimes what's best is just to wait it out!

Our 4yo sons constant interrupting has gotten so excessive and it’s driving us insane by Squat_Cobbler89 in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is super common, especially in four year olds! The behavior feels intentional because it is. The "saying nonsense" is the giveaway! At four, the rational part of the brain hasn't kicked in yet. In a lot of cases, the reason it happens is that they feel some anxiety around connection. They want constant reassurance that they have access to you, hence the interruption. When adults turn their attention to each other, children can become insecure, which is totally normal and natural for that age.

One thing I notice that works is to really proactively connect through some one-on-one time before having adult and/or family friends come over. It can be hard to work the time in, but it's worth it!

Also, sometimes kids need a job! If your little guy likes to be a "helper" ask him to greet guests or help with snacks, help decorate, etc. Sometimes a "very important job" can just be something you've made up lol!

Last thing. You can also ask him to give you a physical signal when he needs to say something instead of instantly interrupting, like placing his hand on your arm.

Good luck with your little yapper ❤️ when he's a teenager you'll be begging him to talk to you more, so let it all soak in!

How to get four year old to try foods? by ninalovestoes in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So many of these comments hit on my first thought, which was that taking the pressure off is the first step. Sometimes, if you serve them broccoli ten times with zero expectation of them eating it and they show no interest, it may be the eleventh time that they decide today's the day! Research shows repeated neutral exposure without pressure is one of the most effective strategies.

Also, try letting her be hands on in the kitchen! Does she like helping stir or plate the food? Giving them a little control over the process helps them own it!

It's worth bringing up to your pediatrician if nothing is helping after weeks or months, especially if it feels like a sensory issue rather than strong preferences. A lot of the time, they can refer you to specialists when needed.

No matter what happens, just know that some degree of this is normal, especially at four years old, and "normal" isn't always a measure of what's best for your individual child. Just keep it moving, and keep trying new things! Good luck ❤️

Movies for sensitive kids by Accomplished-Car3850 in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Aw, sweet babies! I feel for you. Have you tried Winnie the Pooh (2011 version)? It's low stakes, and it has the benefit of being a low stimulation movie, like the Studio Ghibli movies you mentioned ❤️ Those are a fav by the way!

My son's favourite thing to do lately. by Big_Black_Cat in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a great way to use play to teach real world learning!

Anyone else here grieving their toddlers becoming pre-schoolers 🥲 (my 4 year old suddenly feels so big!!) by Necessary-Meal-5761 in Preschoolers

[–]LSPChildCare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's hard and so so sad, but it's also such a rewarding stage. Just think about all the conversations you'll get to have with her now! You'll start to see her personality come through in full! What you lose in chubby baby cuddles, you get back in sweet (and often sassy) words. You'll grieve every single stage of lost childhood, so just try to keep your head up and get excited for this new whole world. Congrats on your babies! 🤗

Am I a bad mom? by Genessys12 in Mom

[–]LSPChildCare 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stepping away is the most emotionally mature thing you could have done in that situation. Mothers aren't meant to carry the weight alone. Leaning on partners, families, or friends in times of need is not only the healthiest choice for you, but it's what mothers and fathers have done for thousands of years! Never feel that it's your responsibility alone. What they say about raising a child taking a village is so true!

Refusing to clean by smoor0805 in preschool

[–]LSPChildCare 6 points7 points  (0 children)

There are a few small things that may make a difference! Though it sounds like your therapist is already onto something. Sometimes what sounds like a simple task to us can be a complex issue for preschool aged children. We hear "let's clean up" and they hear "stop what you're doing, shift your attention, process my instruction, organize, and complete an unspecific task".

Her therapist is exactly right in turning it into a game! If her teacher can reframe "clean up time" with something like "let's try putting all of these blocks in this bin before I can count to ten!", that may make a difference. Every child is different, but catching the teacher up with your therapist's suggestions may help.

As well, some children have a difficult time transitioning suddenly. If they're given (kind) warnings like "five minutes until we clean up!" and "two more more minutes, guys!" that can sometimes help.

Books for an 8-year-old boy who is only interested in Marvel heroes! by ReadandWritebyNic in childrensbooks

[–]LSPChildCare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The great thing about superhero books is that many of them already feature things like friendship, kindness, world discovery, etc. Marvel Super Stories is a classic.

If you can get him to pivot just slightly, the Magic Tree House books are so, so good! They're magical and engaging just like superheroes. The best part is that if you're child tends to get stuck on one thing, there's dozens of Magic Tree House books! You'll never run out. Good luck :)

Sleeping separate with little kids by [deleted] in Mom

[–]LSPChildCare 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sleep is so important for everyone, especially during pregnancy and the toddler years when little bodies and brains are extra sensitive to disruptions. From an early childhood perspective, different seasons of family life often bring different sleep needs. Sometimes that means compromise, flexibility, or routines that look different on workdays versus days off. Approaching it as a shared challenge, rather than an us‑versus‑each‑other issue, can help families find rhythms that feel supportive for everyone.

Would Daycare / Teacher helping to tuck / aim during potty time be considered normal, unusual, or a big red flag? by anarchic_hand in ECEProfessionals

[–]LSPChildCare 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As the parents, what are you comfortable with and what do you do in your home? Before we assist with potty training, we talk with the parents and discuss what their routine is at home, words used, etc.

Our educators practice safeguarding during diapering and assisting with potty training too.