What a 4 Year Old Should Know

I came across this article and thought it was pretty important.  I've always been big on "my kids will progress at their own pace" but I also am constantly looking to the future and seeing what (academically and socially) my child should be doing.

http://magicalchildhood.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/what-should-a-4-year-old-know/

This article was refreshing.  We don't have tons of money... we have just enough...  but we don't have every awesome toy and newest gadget, but my kids are surrounded by books, blocks, art supplies, and a stable environment full of love.  I didn't realize how important those things were until I read the article.  Maybe I am headed in the right direction.

Books are huge here.  They love books.  They love to be read books.  They love to sit and "read" books and our bookshelf gets decent wear and tear.  Each of them falls asleep a midst a pile of books nightly.  (Well, not Eliz yet, but she'll get there).  Art is a big love here too, especially paint. I hope to present them with a costume box for Christmas and a fort making kit... so imaginative play can take off.

More than anything, it's refreshing to step away from standards and goals... my kids are kids, advanced in some areas, sluggish in others but they are healthy and happy and surrounded by just the right tools to keep them progressing and growing day by day.

<3

There are so many moments in parenting where you wonder "WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?!" It's refreshing to sit back and see a few things that you just might be doing right. :)