Preschool years are exciting but often challenging for both tamariki and their parents. Between ages three and six, children experience rapid changes in their emotions, social skills, and independence. They begin to explore the world more deeply, but this growth often comes during pre-school age with big feelings, tricky behaviours, and moments where parents feel unsure about the next step.
It’s normal to wonder whether your child is developing “as they should” or to feel overwhelmed when faced with tantrums, separation anxiety, or language delays. You’re not alone; these are common struggles many families face. This guide will walk you through key challenges during pre-school age and provide expert-backed solutions to help you support your child’s growth.
Preschool Age: A Big Leap in Learning and Growth
The preschool stage is a time of remarkable transformation. Your child learns independence, starts exploring social relationships, and builds the foundation for emotional regulation. But this leap can feel intense for both parents and tamariki.
For example, a three-year-old may begin insisting on doing everything “by myself,” while a five-year-old might start questioning rules or routines. These milestones are healthy signs of development, yet they can leave parents feeling like every day brings new surprises.
Understanding that this period involves constant growth, cognitively, emotionally, and socially, helps you respond with patience and reassurance, knowing these challenges are temporary and part of your child’s natural journey.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Big Feelings in Little Bodies
Preschoolers experience powerful emotions but often lack the tools to manage them. It’s common to see meltdowns, separation anxiety, or frustration when they can’t express what they feel.
For example, your child might cry every morning at preschool drop-off or become upset when another child takes a toy. These behaviours aren’t signs of “naughtiness” but rather a reflection of developing emotional regulation skills.
Supporting tamariki during these moments requires empathy and patience. Setting consistent routines, validating their feelings, and using simple calming strategies, like deep breathing or quiet spaces, can help children learn to manage their emotions over time.
Social Struggles: Learning to Share, Play, and Belong
Preschool is often a child’s first real introduction to group environments, and navigating social dynamics can be challenging. Many tamariki struggle to share toys, take turns, or join group play, which can lead to frustration for both children and parents.
For example, a shy child might stand back from group activities, while another may act out when they can’t be first in line. These struggles are part of developing confidence, cooperation, and belonging.
Small group settings and supportive guidance, like those at Remarkable Kid, give tamariki the tools to build friendships gradually. Encouraging role-play at home, modelling positive social behaviour, and celebrating small successes also help children feel more confident in social settings.
Communication Barriers and Language Delays
Language plays a key role in how children express themselves, build relationships, and participate in learning. Some preschoolers face delays in speech, have limited vocabulary, or struggle to follow instructions.
A child who wants to ask for help but doesn’t have the words may express frustration through behaviour, like refusing tasks or withdrawing from activities. These situations are stressful for parents who worry about falling behind milestones.
Creating language-rich environments helps tamariki develop stronger communication skills. Reading together, narrating daily routines, and engaging in open-ended conversations build vocabulary and confidence. At Remarkable Kids, kaiako use play-based techniques to strengthen both expressive and receptive language in natural, supportive ways.
Cognitive Growth vs. Overstimulation
Preschoolers are naturally curious and eager to learn, but too much stimulation can overwhelm them and affect focus. Brightly coloured classrooms, constant noise, or overly packed schedules can lead to fatigue and frustration.
For example, a child who thrives in quiet, focused activities might become restless in a noisy environment with constant transitions. This balance between encouraging curiosity and avoiding overload is key to supporting healthy cognitive growth.
Play-based learning, as offered at Remarkable Kids, helps tamariki learn at their own pace without pressure. By combining structure with freedom, children stay engaged, retain information better, and enjoy learning.
Behavioural Challenges Parents Commonly Face
Tantrums, defiance, difficulty following rules, and testing boundaries are common during the preschool age. While these behaviours can be stressful, they’re part of developing autonomy and understanding limits.
For example, a child refusing to put on their shoes isn’t necessarily “being difficult” — they’re asserting independence. Similarly, ignoring instructions can reflect curiosity rather than disobedience.
Setting consistent boundaries, offering clear explanations, and using positive reinforcement help tamariki learn responsibility while feeling secure. Remarkable Kids supports parents by modelling gentle behavioural strategies that encourage cooperation and empathy.
The Nursery School Dilemma: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing a nursery school or preschool environment can feel daunting. Not all centres provide the balance of structure, care, and emotional support that tamariki need during these formative years.
An unsuitable setting can affect your child’s confidence, social interactions, and emotional well-being. For example, a highly structured program may overwhelm a sensitive child, while an unstructured environment might leave others disengaged.
Remarkable Kids creates tailored experiences designed to meet each child’s developmental needs, combining small group settings, personalised guidance, and strong partnerships with whānau to ensure children thrive.
How Remarkable Kids Supports Preschool Age Development
Remarkable Kids takes a holistic, play-based approach that nurtures social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Their programs focus on the whole child rather than isolated skills, providing a safe and supportive environment where tamariki flourish.
Key benefits of their approach include:
- Fostering social confidence through small group activities.
- Building emotional regulation with personalised guidance.
- Encouraging independence and decision-making through child-led exploration.
- Partnering with parents and whānau to create consistent support across home and preschool.
This approach creates a community of care where children feel understood, valued, and empowered to grow.
Nurturing Tamariki Through a Community of Care
Children thrive when they feel connected to their kaiako, peers, and families. Remarkable Kids builds this sense of belonging through collaborative relationships and small, supportive group settings.
For example, kaiako work closely with parents to understand each child’s unique needs and strengths, ensuring learning experiences are personalised. This shared approach between home and preschool builds confidence, security, and trust, helping tamariki flourish socially and emotionally.
Setting Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning
The preschool years lay the groundwork for how tamariki approach learning in the future. By fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and independence, Remarkable Kids prepares children for a smooth transition into school.
Through child-led exploration guided by experienced kaiako, children develop critical thinking skills while building resilience and self-confidence. These early experiences shape attitudes toward education that last well beyond preschool.
Helping Your Child Thrive Beyond Preschool
During their preschool age, this is the time when rapid growth and, understandably, comes with its share of challenges. From big emotions to developing social skills, every milestone presents opportunities for learning and connection.
With the right support, your child can navigate these years with confidence and joy. At Remarkable Kids, tamariki are nurtured through play-based learning, personalised care, and a strong sense of community, helping them build the foundations for lifelong success.