How to Interact with a Four-Year Old Child
By age 4, most children are potty-trained and can feed themselves, so they don't need t be babied. They are highly inquisitive and talkative. They're bright enough to recognize problems, but not quite ready to understand the answers. It's up to the adult interacting with the 4-year-old to cater to the child's curiosity and encourage her to learn and play productively.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- A gentle spirit
- Toys for a 4-year old
- Respect for parental authority
- Willingness to do the steps in this article
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1
Let go of adult conversation and enter into their world. Read fairy tales and simple stories with the child, watch an animated TV show or two with them, and encourage them to talk about what they've read or seen. Most 4-year-old's are highly creative. Give them modeling clay or paints and make something with them.
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2
Use the interaction as a teaching opportunity. If the child shows an interest in the telephone, let her use it but show her how to push the buttons. If the child likes to gather objects, have her count the items for you.
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3
Don't expect the child to want to do any one thing for too long. Their attention spans are too short for that. Be prepared to shift your questions and suggestions to something new at all times.
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4
Stay active. Play games that involve getting up and moving around. A 4-year-old will want to keep "going" even if you do not.
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5
Start teaching the child little lessons about caring for something other than himself. If you have a pet or a bird house, give the child some small responsibilities to look after the animal. Children this age can also get excited about helping things grow, especially something in a garden.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep some toys around that are universal to play with but not antiques that can be broken.
Child-proof your home before the children arrive so they don't hear you say "NO!" ten thousand times.
Make suggestions that cause the children to act like the big boy/big girl they want to be - especially when they have to wash their hands after going potty.
Don't scold, strike or humiliate the child. You wouldn't do that to adult guests, would you?
Don't force them to eat everything on their plate. They may just take a bite and be satisfied.
Don't manipulate the child to do anything that would harm them. Protect that Child!
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References
Comments
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barba0727
Mar 26, 2009
I dont know how day care workers, teachers and even parents do it. Great article! 5* -
trepond
Mar 16, 2009
Great article! I love to just act like a big kid around them sometimes...we play hide and go seek, or I chase them around the house or yard...kids just love when their parents give them attention and I always try to make alone time for both of my kids...and yes, I've been forced to watch Spongbob, Star Wars Clone Wars, and Tom and Jerry from time to time :)
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tundranut
Mar 15, 2009
What a charming article! Thank you for insight on relating to munchkins. 5*
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MyJB
Mar 01, 2009
Well written and thorough article on how to relate to a four-year old. Anyone who knows or interacts with four-year olds will benefit from reading and applying the suggestions in this article. Thanks.
