By Charlotte Gerber 
No one ever said that being a parent would be easy. Let’s face it – being four is tough for both the parent and child. This is the age when many things begin to change and not all children run with abandon into the unknown. I should know since I am the mother of a four as well as a five year old.
At the age of four many children who were previously outgoing may change before your eyes into shy individuals. This may become readily apparent if you enroll your child into a daycare or preschool. Before you become concerned that you have done something wrong stop and try to remember how it was when you were small. Did new things scare you or enthrall you? All children respond to new things differently, especially school. Don’t be quick to remove your child from a setting that at first may be uncomfortable; a new friend may be waiting there to be discovered.
Many mothers also struggle with separation anxiety with their four year olds. This may be especially true of little boys. Until now, you may have been the only person that they knew they could depend on, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. Expecting them to adjust immediately to new surroundings is a bit much. With the wary child, try things slowly and introduce new people in familiar surroundings. If you have a new babysitter, try having them visit with you and the child a few days prior to leaving your child home alone with them.
Most children at this age can manage the bathroom easily including washing their hands afterwards. However, there are plenty of mothers out there that don’t want to admit that their child hasn’t quite mastered the art of going to the potty and everything that goes along with this ritual. You are not alone! While there are many schools of thought on the appropriate way to train your child, it may be best to let the child lead and you follow. No one wins when a child is crying and you are frustrated. The child will inevitably realize that their friends can do this alone so why can’t they? Peer pressure, even at this age can go a long way.
Finally, remember to enjoy your four year old. Problems that they encounter now will quickly become a thing of the past as long as you are patient with them.
Post a comment
FamilyLobby.com Articles is your source for family-related articles. Talk about this article in the FamilyLobby Community.
|
|
|
|
|
StumbleUpon
