Positive Parenting Tips - Preschoolers (3-5 years of age)

Following are some of the things you, as a parent, can do to help your preschooler during this time:

• Continue to read to your child. Nurture her love for books by taking her to the library or bookstore.

• Let your child help with simple chores.

• Encourage your child to play with other children. This helps him to learn the value of sharing and friendship.

• Be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Explain and show the behavior that you expect from her. Whenever you tell her no, follow up with what he should be doing instead.

• Help your child develop good language skills by speaking to him in complete sentences and using “grown up” words. Help him to use the correct words and phrases.

• Help your child through the steps to solve problems when she is upset.

• Give your child a limited number of simple choices (for example, deciding what to wear, when to play, and what to eat for snack).

Positive Parenting Tips - Toddlers (2-3 years of age)

Following are some of the things you, as a parent, can do to help your toddler during this time:

• Set up a special time to read books with your toddler.

• Encourage your child to take part in pretend play.

• Play parade or follow the leader with your toddler.

• Help your child to explore things around her by taking her on a walk or wagon ride.

• Encourage your child to tell you his name and age.

• Teach your child simple songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, or other cultural childhood rhymes.

• Give your child attention and praise when she follows instructions and shows positive behavior and limit attention for defiant behavior like tantrums. Teach your child acceptable ways to show that she’s upset.

Positive Parenting Tips - Toddlers (1-2 years of age)

Following are some of the things you, as a parent, can do to help your toddler during this time:

• Read to your toddler daily.

• Ask her to find objects for you or name body parts and objects.

• Play matching games with your toddler, like shape sorting and simple puzzles.

• Encourage him to explore and try new things.

• Help to develop your toddler’s language by talking with her and adding to words she starts. For example, if your toddler says “baba”, you can respond, “Yes, you are right―that is a bottle.”

• Encourage your child’s growing independence by letting him help with dressing himself and feeding himself.

• Respond to wanted behaviors more than you punish unwanted behaviors (use only very brief time outs). Always tell or show your child what she should do instead.

• Encourage your toddler’s curiosity and ability to recognize common objects by taking field trips together to the park or going on a bus ride.

Positive Parenting Tips - Infants (0-1 year of age)

Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your baby during this time:

• Talk to your baby. She will find your voice calming.

• Answer when your baby makes sounds by repeating the sounds and adding words. This will help him learn to use language.

• Read to your baby. This will help her develop and understand language and sounds.

• Sing to your baby and play music. This will help your baby develop a love for music and will help his brain development.

• Praise your baby and give her lots of loving attention.

• Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help him feel cared for and secure.

• Play with your baby when she’s alert and relaxed. Watch your baby closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that she can take a break from playing.

• Distract your baby with toys and move him to safe areas when he starts moving and touching things that he shouldn’t touch.

• Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Parenting can be hard work! It is easier to enjoy your new baby and be a positive, loving parent when you are feeling good yourself.

Facts About Vision Loss in Children

What is vision loss?

Vision loss means that a person’s eyesight is not corrected to a “normal” level. Vision loss can vary greatly among children and can be caused by many things.

What causes loss of vision?

Vision loss can be caused by damage to the eye itself, by the eye being shaped incorrectly, or even by a problem in the brain. Babies can be born unable to see, and vision loss can occur anytime during a person’s life.

When should my child be checked?

• newborn to 3 months

• 6 months to 1 year

• about 3 years

• about 5 years

Having your child’s vision checked is especially important if someone in your family has had vision problems.

What are some signs of vision loss?

A child with vision loss might:

• close or cover one eye

• squint the eyes or frown

• complain that things are blurry or hard to see

• have trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or hold objects close to eyes in order to see

• blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work (such as looking at books)

One eye of a child with vision loss could look out or cross. One or both eyes could be watery, and one or both of the child’s eyelids could also look red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen.

What can I do if I think my child may have vision loss?

To find out who to speak to in your area, you can contact the Parent Centerexternal icon in your state.

Treating vision problems early may protect your child’s sight, and teaching children with severe vision loss how to function as early as possible can help them reach their full potential.