Ages 3-5

Early Childhood Ages 3-5 

Early childhood is a crucial time for brain and body development. It is so important to lay the groundwork early for children at this age to develop healthy, strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers.  

For children ages 3-5, talking openly and showing patience helps to develop strong bonds and trust. Simple things like asking about their day, setting boundaries, and letting them know they can always come to you with questions lay the foundation for healthy relationships. Small conversations now can lead to big trust later in life.  

What Does Prevention Look Like at This Age? 

It may seem early to think about substance use prevention, but prevention starts long before children are faced with those choices. At ages 3–5, prevention is about building strong, positive relationships through open communication, trust, healthy boundaries, and emotional support. Having age-appropriate conversations about medication is a great way to establish healthy habits that will last into adolescence. Some suggestions are:

• Medicine is not candy. Explain that medicine is made to help them feel better, but can make others sick.
• Show them their name on the bottle and remind them that it is made just for them. Explain that medicine can help us feel better when we’re sick, but can hurt us if taken by the wrong person.
• Only a trusted caregiver gives medicine. Teach them not to take medicine on their own.
• Be extra careful with vitamins. If they look or taste like candy, remind your child they can get sick from taking too many.
• “Don’t put it in your mouth unless it comes from a trusted grown-up.” Toddlers are curious and may mistake colorful or unfamiliar items for food.

Prevention starts early—with connection, confidence, and skills that last a lifetime.