We have prime pointers on how to handle these annoying yet normal 4-year-old behaviours!

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You’ve not only survived your child’s Terrible Twos but emerged unscathed after their Threenage years. Now that your mini-me is 4 years old, you certainly hope that they’ve mellowed.

At this stage your kiddo’s more independent than before, especially since their motor skills have improved. They are also having more interesting conversations with the people around them because of their growing vocabulary, turning them into little social butterflies.

Don’t swear or use obscene gestures in front of your kiddo because there’s no telling just when your mini-me might end up copying you.

So, what is so bad about 4-year-olds that has earned them the label of “Fearsome Fournado”? We’ve rounded up six typical Fournado behaviours to you might have observed in junior…

1. They love telling (lame) jokes Chances are, your kiddo is laughing uncontrollably at their own jokes and you play along by forcing yourself to do the same. Your Fournado’s growing vocabulary allows them to make up silly stories that either leave you in stitches or scratching your head in confusion.
WHAT YOU CAN DO… Embrace it! In no time your Fournado will become a sullen tween who’s forcing him or herself to laugh at daddy or mummy’s embarrassing sense of humour.

2. They put mime artists to shame Your 4-year-old is a natural when it comes to imitating the grownups ― who cares if it’s an appropriate time.
WHAT YOU CAN DO… If you aren’t already careful about what you do or say around your offspring, now is the time to do so. Don’t swear or use obscene gestures in front of your kiddo because there’s no telling just when your mini-me might end up copying you.

3. They are more inquisitive than an investigative journalist Your mini-me’s curiosity for the world around them knows no bounds. They have a question for any and everything, from where babies come from to why the sky is blue. Nothing’s off limits!
WHAT YOU CAN DO… Nurture your kiddo’s interest and curiosity about the world around them. And when you do not have the answer to their questions, go on a fact-finding mission together. This way, you’ll be showing them crucial tools they can use to find their own answers in the future. Teach them how to navigate the library or search for reliable information online.

 

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4. They are sore losers You’ll observe your child’s competitive streak emerging at this age. They’re fixated on winning and instead of accepting defeat gracefully, they have no qualms throwing a tantrum when they lose.
WHAT YOU CAN DO… Teach your child to accept failure and to view it as a part of self-development. Explain to them that failure is part of life and that losing should instil determination and motivation in them. This makes them strong, helping them get further in life.

Explain to them that failure is part of life and that losing should instil determination and motivation in them.

5. They’ll make you regret calling them a big boy/girl Since you tell them that they are a big boy or girl now, they’ll insist on doing things their own. Anything from making their own sandwiches, pouring their own drinks to buckling up in the car seat. They want to do everything even if it means making a mess. Your little Fournado may not do things perfectly, but they’ll rather die trying than have you do it for them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO… Allocate more time for prep and clean-up for activities you know they’ll want to do on their own. But don’t compromise when your mini-me’s safety is at stake. For instance, if they still can’t buckle themselves into their car seats, do it for them while explaining what could happen if they aren’t properly secured.

6. Mealtimes have become like a Michelin star inspection
Needless to say, mealtimes are one of the most trying times for parents of toddlers. With a Fournado, you fear the worst each time a meal is served. One day, tomatoes is a hot favourite, the next day, it smells weird and you’ve ruined their sandwich by adding it in.
WHAT YOU CAN DO… Involve them in planning their meals ― set aside a day or a meal in the week when they get to choose what they’ll like to eat. This way, they won’t be able to accuse you of not letting them have a say.

Photos: iStock

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