Your child wants to be sociable so she has to learn the difficult skill of sharing. It’s easiest if she learns to share with you first, so set her a good example: “Here’s some of Mommy’s ice cream”; “You can have half of my apple.” Then introduce the concept of “One for you, one for me.” Only then say. “May I have your pencil?”; “May I play with your dolly?”
Your child at four or five is old enough to understand simple board games. She will enjoy uncomplicated games involving a spinning wheel, dice, or moving pieces, as well as card games that rely on pictures , such as “Old Maid” and “Go fish.”
- Many games will help her improve her counting skills and also her ability to concentrate. Games with rules that have to be followed can serve as an introduction to the concept that the real world is full of accepted standards
- She will have to learn to take her turn and to wait patiently while others take theirs. This will help her to realize that other people have rights and needs that sometimes take priority over hers
- The winning and losing elements of games will teach her to understand and cope with disappointment and try harder next time, as well as to enjoy the success of winning. Don’t emphasize winning; it could make her unduly aggressive and competitive in later life
