>>Valley Patriot>> |
At four they are too young to be left alone in a yard with or without fencing for any length of time. You would be boggled if you knew the trouble two four year olds can get into in a yard, even if it only has dirt in it. Don’t chance it. If they do not stay put with you watching them from a window, then by all means go out with them or have them stay inside until you are available to be outside. If you don’t have a fence, get one installed and while they are young, have the only access be from the house. My son,who just turned three and a half, recently started attending preschool three mornings a week. He seems to enjoy going and the center was recommended by a friend, but I really would like to know how he is doing during the day. You did not go into detail and let me know if you feel uneasy about the program or if you are just curious. Which ever is the case, it is clear that you need to feel at ease about his situation. Over the next few weeks, drop by unexpectedly. Make up any excuse such as dropping spare clothes by or needing to pick him up a half hour earlier than normal. The way you find him behaving at these odd moments of the day will be a good indication of what goes on when you are not there. I can assure you that competent preschool teachers expect parents of newly enrolled children to do this and will not be offended. I am not allowing my children to go out trick or treating on Halloween for a variety of reasons. Too much junk, don’t know the source of the candy, etc. This year at ages two and three they will not miss it. What are your suggestions for future holidays? You are smart to think it though now so that you will be consistent as the youngsters grow up and will not waffle as they pressure you. Clarify in your mind the reasons behind your decision so you can make those clear to your children when they are older and demand an explanation. Some options would be, letting them attend school or neighborhood parties only, dressing up and visiting a few close neighbors that you know or some relatives who live nearby. If religious reasons are part of the equation and you want to do without the dressing up part, take them out to a family dinner on that night and make this a tradition. Whatever you do, give it some thought now while they are young before it does become an issue. My children, seven, nine, and eleven, constantly ask me to let them stay up past their bedtimes on school nights. If you feel the bedtimes are appropriate
as is, don’t give in. Tell them the limit has been
set for a reason and as they get older it will change,
but now that is it. Keep the routine at night consistent.
For example, a half hour before the time, have the
children get ready, have Please send questions to RAISE ‘EM RIGHT™, P.O. Box 831, Carlisle, MA 01741 or e-mail to RAISEEMRIGHT@aol.com. *Send your questions
comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com |
Our
twins who are four years old have a problem staying in
our back yard. I do not want them leaving the yard unless
I know where they are going.