Having a safe, structured environment within which to explore and face new challenges is important but well-defined limits must be included. Elaborate story telling may progress into lying, a behavior that if not addressed during the preschool years will probably continue into the adult years. Mouthing off or back talk in the preschooler is usually a means of getting attention and attempting to elicit a reaction from the adult it is directed toward. The preschooler, because of adept motor skills, is able to quickly get into dangerous situations. Parental supervision at this age is essential, just as during earlier years.
Car safety continues to be a prime concern.
At this age children may be riding with other children's parents. It is important to review with others, who may be supervising your child, your rules for car safety. Falls are a major mechanism of injury for the preschooler. Climbing to new and adventurous heights, the preschooler may fall off playground equipment, bikes, down stairs, from trees, out windows, and off roofs. Encourage the child to help cook or learn cooking skills with safe, cool recipes.