what their friends do. But they will want to do what their friends do because that friend may be doing something they find interesting.

Don’t be surprised if your child goes off to preschool or playgroup and comes home with some new words or behaviors. Many may be positive. Children may be willing to try new foods because friends are eating them. Or they may become better at sharing because more children will want to play with them if they share.

Your child may also pick up some things you’re not so fond of, such as cursing. Or she may start pushing and shoving. Now is the time to stress that copying the behavior of friends is not always acceptable. “Some families might use that word,” you might say. “But we don’t allow it in our family.”

Copyright © Parent Institute