Your preschooler is learning to:

• Use words to show feelings.
• Control situations by talking about them.
• Handle frustration and wait for things.
• Make friends and get along with others.
• Understand that some actions are okay and others are not.
• Seek comfort from you to feel safe.
• Rely on you to help him develop self-esteem.
• Use play to work through problems and try out different solutions.
• Rely on routines to feel secure and confident.
• Complete tasks and feel pride in her abilities.
• Explore new situations and take risks.

Your preschooler may be concerned or upset by these "everyday" situations or changes in his life:

• New baby at home
• New preschool teacher or babysitter
• Being separated from people who care for him
• New daycare, nursery or elementary school
• Changes to her daily routines
• Giving up or losing a favorite blanket or toy
• Moving into a new bed, room, or home

Preschoolers often display their concerns through their actions rather than words. Here are some things to watch for:

• Unusual clinging
• Fear of being alone or without you
• More frequent tantrums or angry outbursts
• Hitting or biting
• Wetting the bed or sucking thumb again
• Eating more or less than usual
• Can't sleep or is restless
• Cries more than usual
• Fewer smiles, less laughter
• Won't try anything new
• Bothered by sudden or loud noises
• Trips, falls or drops things a lot
• Less open or outgoing than usual

Keep in mind that these behaviors may appear in all children at one time or another. But if they are ongoing or frequent, they can be signs of stress.

Everyday Moments are opportunities for you to talk with your child about what's on her mind. These ideas can help you take advantage of daily routines to guide your child through challenging circumstances. Don't forget, you can ask!

Family Time. Whether you are sharing a meal or playing a game, the physical and emotional closeness helps your preschooler feel safer. Use this time to ask questions such as, "What was the best, and worst, part of your day?"

Chores. Letting him help with chores can make you both proud of his achievements. A new responsibility like sorting laundry can make him feel more confident. Take this opportunity to use socks as hand puppets to role-play and ask questions such as, "What makes you happy or upset?"

Traveling. Whether you're traveling around the block or around the world, help your child recognize the accomplishments of people from different cultures or backgrounds. Talk about how people are different in some ways but the same in others. Try simple statements such as, "Everyone has feelings just like you."

Story Time. While reading stories together, point out when a character handles a situation in a positive way. Ask you child, "What would you have done?" For a story about how Elmo deals with a difficult situation about when his mommy goes to work, log on to www.sesamestreet.com/youcanask