IMAGINATION IS REALITY.

Your four-year-old's delightful imagination may suddenly turn your bedroom into a train station, a castle, or both. But imagination may also turn deceptive. Your four-year-old may suddenly insist the cat ate her cupcake, her bed somehow got wet from the rain, and maybe it was Grandma who spilled nail polish on the furniture. 

EVERYTHING CAN BE A GAME.

You motivate your preschooler best when you appeal to their desire to play. Whatever the task, turn it into a game, make it fun. You might even let them take the lead and create a game you both can play. Your four-year-old is wired to have fun with you.

THEY HAVE A NEWFOUND CURIOSITY.

Whether it's showcased by pouring all the dish soap into the sink at once, or the constant repetition of "Why? Why? Why?", your preschooler is eager to know how the world works. So when they ask you "Why" for the second and third time, remember they're just looking for more of the knowledge they know you must have as an adult person.

Life for your four-year-old can be confusing. It's okay to throw a ball, but not a rock. You can hug your friend, but not squeeze his neck. Your three-year-old is learning the rules for life and encountering some necessary discipline. The way you consistently meet their needs, engage their senses, and provide discipline will help them develop self-control.

THINKS LIKE AN ARTIST

You help them learn when you... ENGAGE THEIR SENSES.

WANTS TO KNOW "AM I OKAY?"

You capture their heart when you ... CULTIVATE THEIT SELF-CONTROL.

IS MOTIVATED BY SAFETY

You coach their moral abilities when you ... DISCIPLINE CONSISTENTLY.

YOUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

• Hops on one foot

• Strings beads and cuts with scissors (the plastic kind)

• Throws a ball overhand and catches a bounced ball (Sometimes)

• Draws circles, squares and a person with 2-4 body parts

MENTALLY

• Sorts things and ideas into categories

• Recognises less and more (especially if they are lollies)

• Can argue, explain, and rationalise (you may have noticed)

• Lives in present, but enjoys retelling the story of past events 

VERBALLY

• Tells a short story

• Keeps a conversation going

• May struggle with some sounds: r, l, s, z, j, sh, ch, th

• Adjusts speech based on the listener and location

EMOTIONALLY

• Tends to be optimistic in spite of failure.

• Enjoys both physical humor and simple jokes.

• Can learn relaxation techniques (take a deep breath).

• Often deals with fear and anxiety by distracting themselves.