Helping your preschooler manage overexcitement can be a rewarding yet challenging task. One effective approach is to create a calm environment. Designate a quiet space in your home where your child can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. Encourage them to take deep breaths, using simple phrases like “Let’s take a big breath in and blow it out,” to help them settle.

Incorporating routine is also beneficial. Predictable schedules help children feel secure and can prevent excitement from spiralling out of control. Additionally, prior to events that may trigger excitement, such as a birthday party or playdate, prepare your child by discussing what to expect. This can help them manage their feelings.

Engaging your preschooler in calming activities, such as storytelling or gentle crafts, can channel their energy more positively. Praise them when they display self-regulation, reinforcing that managing emotions is an important skill. Lastly, model calm behaviour yourself; children often take cues from their parents. With patience and practice, you can help your little one learn to navigate their excitement more effectively.

How to Start a Preschool Garden: Little Sprouts Learning

Creating a preschool garden is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the joys of nature and the basics of gardening. At Little Sprouts Learning, we believe that every little gardener can thrive with just a bit of planning and creativity.

1. Choose the Right Location: Start by selecting a sunny spot in your schoolyard or community garden. Ideally, the area should receive at least six hours of sunlight daily and have easy access to water.

2. Get Kids Involved in Planning: Involve the little ones in choosing what to plant. Consider easy-to-grow vegetables like radishes, carrots, and peas or colourful flowers such as marigolds and sunflowers. This not only fosters excitement but also teaches them about different plants and their needs.

3. Prepare the Soil: With supervision, demonstrate how to prepare the soil by tilling it and removing any stones or weeds. Allow the children to help mix in compost, teaching them about soil health and the importance of nutrients for plant growth.

4. Planting Together: Organise a planting day where children can dig holes for seeds or seedlings. Encourage them to follow the planting instructions for depth and spacing, turning this activity into a hands-on learning experience.

5. Care and Observation: Establish a regular routine for watering and caring for the garden. Teach the children about the importance of consistent care and observation. Create a garden journal where they can draw pictures of their plants and record growth, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world.

6. Celebrate the Harvest: Once the plants have grown, involve the children in harvesting the produce. Consider hosting a small picnic or cooking day where they can taste the fruits of their labour, reinforcing the concept of farm-to-table.

Starting a preschool garden not only enhances children’s understanding of nature but also cultivates teamwork, patience, and a lifelong appreciation for gardening. At Little Sprouts Learning, we’re excited to see how your garden will grow!