I am sure many parents have searched this topic before, what should my child know at age _fill in blank__?
As a parent, you want to be reassured that they are on track and ticking off the necessary developments of childhood.
How high should a 3-4 year old count to?
There is no absolute answer; every child develops at a different pace.
Every child has a different learning style and has different parents, careers and lifestyle factors to consider.
How high can your child count and does it matter?
After careful consideration of this question I felt the answer was, I don’t care and no it doesn’t matter.
I wish not to compare Dimples to averages of his age because he is anything but average.
He is unique and I have never fussed about rote rehearsal so no he can’t chant 1-30 or the alphabet like a robot, but yes he does know numbers and letters have meaning, how to spell his name and identify many numbers and letters individually. He can match letters or numbers to the correct picture of items and so forth so he learns visually with meaning.
I found myself searching developmental milestones of a 3-4 year old and had a light bulb moment. I stopped trying to compare and judge my son on his knowledge base and started to brainstorm my own list; I feel this “developmental list” should be the focus more so than the cognitive comparisons.
A 3-4 year old should know-
That they belong
That they are cherished and loved unconditionally
That they make their loved ones smile
Their full name, parents name and place of residence (for safety reasons)
How to laugh and giggle
How to have fun
That accidents happen
That books are enjoyable
How to explore and investigate
That it is alright to deviate from others (or the average)
That they are unique,
The family rules / boundaries
That they are safe and will be cared for
How to dream and imagine
That it is alright to cry
How to be kind
How to ask questions, many questions!
How to give cuddles
How to get messy
How to enjoy the outdoors
How to pull faces
How to sing silly songs
That fruit and veges are delicious
That sun hats and sunscreen are important
How to be creative
How to think outside the box
How to be a 3-4 year old
I think that it is more important to have a happy healthy child who knows they are loved and knows how to enjoy themselves then a child missing these things who can count to 100 at age 3 or 4!
So that is my list! What would add to this list? Share below, we love to hear from you!!
This post was written by Renee Peters.
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