What to Expect... - Olathe,KS

Sorry but next is the 'talking back' phase! Or the 'challenging you' sort of repartee.... but in a more sophisticated way.
My kids, could 'debate' like an Attorney... even at that age.
My son, also does the "how come...?" questions... and the "How do you know?" questions... and the "I KNOW that already" responses.... and the "But Mommy.... you don't understand me...." statements when I answer his "why" questions.
And yes, telling jokes... lots of jokes. Or pulling jokes... my son is always doing that to me... and I am so 'dense' he actually CAN pull jokes on me too!

All hilarious and interesting and frustrating and oh so proud of him at the same time!

OH! If not already... teach him how to cook! My son, when 3, wanted to actually learn to cook. Not just 'pretend' cook. So, he now knows how to cook scrambled eggs. While we supervise of course. They can do a lot more real "helping" around the house too.

For my Daughter, in preschool at that age, the Teacher's taught them the 50 States, the Presidents, songs/wording to Broadway musicals... and the kids, even if ONLY 4 years old... DID know it. This is an amazing age... and very creative.

Don't 'expect' anything, just let him unfurl, like butterfly from a cocoon.

all the best,
Susan

You are allowed to gush and remember you have a great kids because you are a great mom~! Don't expect anything. Just keep doing what you are doing.

The biggest thing parenting has taught me is to expect nothing! Be able to be completely in the moment and not waiting for the next thing, not wondering, not bieng disappointed, not expecting. I know that is not what you are asking, but maybe it is the best answer because my two kids were completely different at that age. Across the board, they get better at talking/ moving/ all that stuff, but besides that, I don't know that my kids had anything at all in common.

Have fun!!

if he's recognizing letters & writing his name, the next step will be pre-reading. Recognizing "sight words" & basic vocab. Sorting & sequencing for math. Repetitive books like Dr. Seuss are great for pre-reading!

Expect the engineer & mechanic to jump out! Part of the "why" phase is a need for "hands-on" applications......sand tables, Playdoh, etc all aid in this.

& unfortunately, watch out for the "mouth" to appear! But the best part is that 4 is FUN...enjoy! & I truly mean it....you can do soooo much. Hikes, amusement parks, etc!

New phases produces new challenges. You are obviously doing a great job or your kid has the greatest personality. Enjoy the moment but prepare for the worse, should it happen, because he will change.

*Just from what I taught my 4 yr old son @ this age he is now 7 in 1st grade*Learnig to write & recongnize ABC's,numbers & practice letter sounds,write his name,remembering address & phone number.He will begin to draw actual stick people.The WHY phase will never go away that is how we all learn.Does he know nursery rhymes & sings them independently if so add more.