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Posted by Barb Hacker Jun 20, 2008 |
I am currently reading Your Four Year Old: Wild and Wonderful by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D., & Frances L. Ilg, M.D. (Dell Publishing 1976). I'm only part way through the book, but already I've found myself alternating between relief and excitment about my four-year-old's behavior.
It's nice to finally understand that his bounciness is typical for his age. Four year olds like to test the boundries, but like to know that the boundries are there. They can be aggressive and even mean, at times. They can frustrate their parents and their siblings.
But, four year olds also are full of fun and energy. They like to see and do new things. They enjoy small neighborhood trips, like a walk to a neighbor's house to see a back hoe at work. They love new songs and silly rhymes, as well as new, interesting toys. Toys do not need to be expensive to please a four year old. For instance, my four year old was thrilled with a simple plastic slinky that a favorite aunt gave him a week ago.
I've read a few of the child development books by Ames. She always amazes me with her attention to the details of each particular age. I highly recommend her books for any parent that is struggling with a child and curious about age-appropriate behavior.