Managing the Space Struggle

Do your kids have trouble sharing a space with another child? It is not until age five that they are really learning where their body is in space. There are several reasons why kids do circle time in preschool, but one reason is to learn where your body is in space. See how in this picture my older one is leaning over my younger child trying to reach for a toy? I know this may lead to an argument and a potential meltdown. This is where I will intervene as my youngest doesn’t have the verbal ability to communicate her needs. I will put my hand flat with my palm open between the two of them and then I will say to my older daughter and say “Hmmm, it looks like you need some help. Your bodies are touching right now and are in each others space.” I am trying to help teach my almost 4 year old to know where her body is in space by letting her know that if she is touching another person, she no longer has that dedicated space. This way I can potentially prevent a fight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀

⠀
I find that choosing when to intervene is the hard part for most parents. I usually like to let things play out and only offer guidance, and narrate what is going on because you will not be there in school when it plays out. This is usually why the second and third child is stronger because they have an older child stepping on them! ⠀