Gerry Heidenreich

What to expect: The "Out of Bounds" 4 is exuberant and rebellious.

• the child talks well and thinks the child is a big shot.
• Fours tell outrageous lies and are very stubborn.
• They talk all the time and mix reality and fantasy.
• They ask "why" in order to argue.
• They are bossy and defiant, "I won't".
• They refuse to nap but will fall asleep at 5:30 and wake up ready to stay up all night.
• They think up all sorts of ways to avoid getting in bed.
• At night, they are likely to have bad dreams.
• They can dress and undress themselves with little assistance.
• They eat too fast or not at all.
• They can now wash hands and face and brush teeth without assistance if they have been trained.
• They run ahead of adults and refuse to hold hands.
• Fours play feelies with other children and need honest information about bodies and babies.
• A fussy four needs exercise and then a rest.
• When excited, the child will need to urinate.
• When stressed, the child's stomach will hurt.

Needs: Social opportunities.

• Small play groups.
• Props for pretend play.
• Art materials for creative expression.
• Tolerance.
• Parents with a sense of humor.

Discipline: Don't argue with a four.

• Talk less than the child does.
• Don't ask a four if the child did something. You will teach the child to lie.
• Teach the child the consequences for misbehavior; then when the child misbehaves, apply the consequences.
• Be very consistent with a four and the child will learn to control the child's own behavior.
• Four seems big but the child is still a baby when stressed or tired.
• Give the child lots of hugs and kisses even if you have to catch the child to do it.