Captivating children by Anna Rutten from Kidiwise Early Learning Centre

A warm welcome to the start of February, more settled weather, children off to school, leaving preschool children often at home without siblings to play with.

So what to do with these natural early birds who are up at the crack of dawn and itching to do things?

Children love to be a part of the action, to be involved and to feel useful. They are little beings with big egos, wanting to feel important. Allowing them to help with the daily activities around the house instills a sense of importance, belonging and is great for children's confidence, education, empowering them and making them responsible.

We can empower our preschool children in many ways and at the same time keep them occupied, stop the boredom-induced whining, get things done, educate them and learn things about our children's development.

Here are some examples of just a few tasks to let your children loose on:

Cooking – let your child break the eggs into the bowl. You will be amazed how quickly they learn to do this without crushing the shell or adding the shell to the ingredients! Help them to count the eggs. Tipping the cup of flour or sugar into the bowl and using the mixer are other tasks preschoolers are easily capable of.

Putting out the Washing – children love handing the clothes up for putting on the line. By doing so, they can learn counting, colours and cooperation to name a few.

Doing errands – children's comprehension and understanding improves with practise.

Gardening – have some wee pots for seeds and a special plot for their plants alongside the main garden for them to weed and water. If dad has some digging to do, get a little spade for your child – they will be keen as mustard to help.

Picking up and tidying up – start young and reap the rewards!

Making own sandwiches with a choice of fillings – even young children enjoy being able to make their own decisions and this is a great opportunity.

Setting the table – something that may take a while to achieve a sense of order, but well worth the exercise to give your preschooler a sense of belonging and being part of the home organisation. Watch them start thinking about where things should be positioned.

Fishing – a great day out with dad and the look of surprise when your preschooler catches the first fish – wow! Let your child help get ready too.

The one thing preschoolers may spend too much time being occupied with is TV. There is little quality time achieved watching TV with your preschooler. Try and avoid having the TV going when having meals and encourage your preschooler to chat and express themselves.

Allowing your preschooler to be involved in daily routines may seem tedious at first, but with some patience and understanding that ‘practise makes perfect', you will observe the developments in your child as they unfold and a sense of fulfillment as your little one tries and tries again and succeeds in the journey of life.