What is Happening Now? 4 1/2 Years

Social/Emotional Development

Hang on! You're likely to be in for some emotional ups and downs as a parent of a preschooler. It's pretty normal for a 4-year-old to have emotional extremes. You'll need to be the consistent and reasonable person who kindly and patiently sets limits. If you're reasonable with the limitations, children will accept them and learn that the world doesn't center around them personally. It's a tough lesson when you're little, but a necessary one, best taught by a loving parent.

This is a time for seeking friends, since it's a bit easier to share now. An outgoing and usually friendly nature makes 4-year-olds more interested in cooperating, although some aggression and name-calling is typical.

An active imagination and television's influence can result in some violent thoughts and behaviors, so monitor the TV time and talk openly about what is shown. Children may have some fears and confusion about what is real and what isn't. They don't have the advantage of our years of experience and need help in determining what is real and what is fantasy. Teach them the words to express frustration and anger so they will have an alternative outlet for emotions other than the violence they see on TV. People are not for hurting!

This year also can be a very "up" year emotionally. Super imaginations and a great sense of humor lead to plenty of playful times. It's a great time for field trips, adventures and exploring anything new. It can be very refreshing for us, as parents, to get a new view of the world through the eyes of a child!

Parents Are People, Too

Laugh a Little, Love a Lot!

Laughter. It's an essential part of parenting in the preschool years - and beyond! Yes, there are stresses associated with parenting. But the way we respond to the normal ups and downs of family life is our choice. By choosing to have a generally positive attitude, we'll enjoy life more.

Three- and 4-year-olds like to laugh at the ridiculous. They understand what things are supposed to look and sound like so they can delight in silly variations. Join them in the fun. Everyone will benefit.

Researchers suggest that we need to laugh 15 or more times a day for health maintenance. How can laughter affect health? It seems that all the tense body muscles relax when we laugh. This relaxation helps reduce stress. Laughter may not be a cureall, but it can make some tough things easier to take.

Taking a humorous attitude toward life can help you feel better and can produce insight. It can help us see some of our own quirks as well as laugh and enjoy the insights of others.

Where do you get a steady supply of laughter? One way is to be around people who love to laugh ... like children! Laughter is contagious. Take time to read and save cartoons that strike you as funny. Share them with someone. Share a good laugh with your child today - and make it a habit. Laugh a little and love a lot!

Make Math More Than Counting

Kids love to learn. They have a natural curiosity about the world around them and want to know how things work. They are seldom bored. The preschool years are exciting times to learn because everything is still possible. The answers aren't always right or wrong and a child's efforts to learn have not been scrutinized and evaluated. That is the way it should be at this level. The time will come soon when the "right" answer will be required, but at the preschool level it is more important to encourage curiosity and excitement about discovering than it is to get the right answer.