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. :)

Excuse This House

Submitted by: mcgrawsgirl

Author: Author Unknown

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there;
Ours boast of it quite openly.
The signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess.
For toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children
And we played and laughed and read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other;
I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I'll be a mother.

Too true and something I battle daily.   I strive for this perfectly clean and organize and I stress over my house not looking like so-and-so's (who do NOT have children!) ... my most important job right now is being a mama duck and focusing on my ducklings.  They won't follow me forever...