It

draws the two of you closer. And it teaches her, by example, how to have relationships with other people.

You can help your child learn to connect to others. Take time to:

• Give your child your full attention sometime each day. Follow her lead in play. This tells her that her ideas are valuable.

• Notice what she’s doing. “You have already put together half of that puzzle.” This tells her you find her projects important.

• Deal with her emotions. Talk with her about them—“I can see you’re angry right now. How can we get these angry feelings out?”

• Work through changes together. Preschool children like routine—it makes them feel safe and comfortable. You can’t always predict a big change. But when you can—if you’re expecting a new baby, or planning a trip—prepare your child. Read her books about the big event or act it out with puppets or dolls. Let her know you will still love her and be there for her.

• Arrange for her to play with other children. At first, you may have to be right next to the children to help sharing and taking turns. Later, you can back off as they learn to work things out on their own.

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