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Body Curiosity
Tell children the correct names for body parts. Ask your doctor, nurse or office assistant if you are not sure of the
correct name. When they ask a sexual question, answer their questions as naturally as possible. Answer only the
question asked. When they are ready, they will ask more. It is normal for children to be interested in their bodies as well as the bodies of their playmates. Allow children privacy when bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom. Encourage sleeping in their own bed.
Toys and Play
A four year old likes simple board games, marbles and card games. He will enjoy exploratory trips to new places,
make-believe, “dress up,” figuring things out, and talking about which things are make-believe and which things are real. If he has no playmates, ask us about Headstart, preschool, or a parent resource center. A child needs interaction with others their own age.
Reading
Your child is now ready for some early reading skills.The value of reading to your child cannot be stressed enough. We
recommend reading to him every day. Take him to the library. This can be a pleasant trip for you and your child (and it’s free). Get a variety of books (let
him pick out some books). Most libraries have a children’s story time. Tell stories to him; he will love stories about himself when he was “little” or you when you
were little. Encourage him to tell you stories too. Be consistent and private in your discipline. Tell the child
“This is what you cannot do and this is what will happen if you break the rule.” Do not threaten. If she breaks a rule follow through with the stated consequence. “Time out” should never be more than 10 to 15 minutes. If you have not participated in a STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) program, we suggest you consider joining the next group.
Sibling Rivalry
In simple terms, this means fighting with one’s brothers or sisters. Do not play favorites. Older children should
be treated as appropriate for their age. Younger children often interrupt or interfere with the rights of older siblings.
Allow children to work out differences on their own whenever possible. If left alone, most children will quarrel and “make up” faster then we can settle their problem.
REMEMBER, when children quarrel the problem is between them, not you and them. A statement such as
“I’m sure you can handle this yourself” will teach him that you have confidence he can settle his own problems. This will free you from being a referee during much of
your day. The longest lasting relationship a child will ever have is with his siblings. The home he is brought up in is where he will learn the skills of intimacy and how
to settle conflicts. Help him build the skills of intimacy and conflict resolution necessary for the rest of his life.
Diet
A varied diet is essential for good health and good teeth. If you are having any concerns about diet, discuss them
with your doctor. Ask your nurse for a handout on good nutrition. Most children love fresh fruits and vegetables.
Offer these instead of sweet or high fat snacks. Work at having pleasant mealtimes. Encourage him to talk about
how he feels about his food, his day, his play, and what he plans to do tomorrow. Meals are important social experiences in our culture.
Dental
Teach her to brush her teeth so it will become a lifetime habit. We recommend your child visit the dentist twice a year. Ask the hygienist to review with you any areas of dental hygiene that might be needed.
Sleep
Four year olds still like a “bedtime ritual” -- bath, story, prayers and bed. The ritual routine gives him a chance for a countdown period before bed. Also, regular bedtime
establishes healthy sleeping patterns. He may still have night terrors on night . He should be sleeping in his own bed at night. However, a four year old oftencomes to sleep with parents for awhile in the morning.This is common and cozy and not unhealthy.
Toilet Training
Most children are now dry and have their bowel movements in the toilet. She may have an occasional accident at night or when she is too busy playing to make it to
the toilet in time. If your child has not developed complete control of her bowel movements or wets more than occasionally discuss it with your doctor. One out of four children at age four still wet the bed at night.
Discipline
Encourage your child in acceptable behavior by telling him you appreciate his cooperation. Say “please and
thank you,” and “It seems like you enjoy....(dusting).” He will tell you if you are wrong in your assumptions. If you are having a particular problem, find a constructive
way to improve the behavior. For example, if a child throws stones repeatedly, explain this is not acceptable
in the yard or playground and if he throws a stone there he will be taken into the house. However, he can throw stones into the river (or creek). Plan time so you can go to the river together for this activity.
Dressing
Allow your child to dress herself. She may need a little help with difficult buttons and ties. Show her how to pick out her clothes to wear for the day. Buy her clothes that she can put on with ease (i.e., few or no buttons). When possible, let her pick out her own clothes -- ones that are her favorite color or shirts with pictures on the front. This will encourage her to dress herself. Give her plenty of time to dress. However, you may want to set
a deadline such as “You may watch Sesame Street when you are dressed.” Then follow through with your rule and do not allow her to turn on the TV before she is completely dressed.
Safety
Although it may seem your child is quite capable and quite independent, he still needs close supervision.
• Select safe toys by checking the instructions. If the toy is beyond his age level, wait to buy it.
• Lock up and keep out of reach firearms, electrical tools, and poisons.
• Keep matches away from children.
• Seat belts are always a must.
• Do not allow unsupervised swimming.
• Do not allow him to ride a bike in the street. Always have him wear his bicycle helmet.
• Teach your child:
- What to do in case of a fire.
- Not to talk to strangers or accept food from strangers.
- To be careful around strange dogs, especially if the dog is eating.
Water Safety
Swimming is great exercise. It should be learned in an approved instruction program. Safety around pools, boats and any other body of water is extremely important. If she is afraid to go in the water, do not force her. She will be ready for swimming and water play when she is a little older. Television Monitor what your child watches on TV. Many programs
are not suitable for young children (or any children for that matter). We recommend no more than 30 to 60 minutes of watching television a day and be sure they are watching age-appropriate programs. Minimize the use of TV as a babysitter.
Chores
At this age she can make and keep an agreement and should have a daily chore to do. It works best to have her do the same chore every day. If she gets bored, you and she can agree to change it to a different task. Work on finding something she likes to do such as dusting or
setting the table. Continue or start a pleasant bedtime ritual. It will get her to bed more easily.
Informaton taken from -The Pediatric Health Care Manual
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