question about child development

[Valerie1979]

what should the typical 4 year old know?
My son turned 4 in July and we work hard with him to teach him things and want to make sure he is on schedule or AHEAD of schedule with learning ---
anyone know what is "typical"

he knows his whole name, can write his name, can do simple math, can write the alphabet and numbers
he can count pretty high (not sure but think he gets bored after 30)
he is really coordinated and he loves arts and crafts....

are we on track with his learning?

[samrhett2]

Sounds to me like you are doing an awesome job.  My son ad developmental delays yet they were more physical in nature, so while he was ahead in some things he was behind in others.  Whenever you have doubts about his progress a good pediatrician will be able to set your mind at ease or offer solutions if your child ever needs assistance.

[Valerie1979]

well our pediatrician didn't seem concerned so that was good -
Our son was born 3 months early so definately had/has the potential for delays but I think he has done really well, but we are paranoid we are missing something

[BrittaJo14]

It sounds to me like you are doing a great job and shouldn't worry about it. My sons are 2 and 5 months, but I have nieces and nephews that age and older. They went to preschool so they kind of got a head start before they went to school. But I know there were a lot of kids in school with them in kindergarden that couldn't read or write at all. Some kids don't get a good start at learning until school. So many kids go to preschool now cause moms and dads have to work because of the economy. I'm afraid if I don't put my boys in preschool that they won't have that advantage. I'm thinking about putting my oldest in when he turns 3, even just a couple days a week. I just don't want him to be behind or feel like he's behind the other kids. But my advice is keep doing whatever you're doing cause it sounds like you are doing a great job!

[sgluckadoo]

Sounds like you are doing all the right things, but if you have doubts, just do a little research (web, book, etc.) and you will find helpful information on "normal" development.

[animikokala]

Sounds like he's doing fine.  The only thing I'd suggest is:

Can he tie his shoes?  That was something my brothers had to be able to do themselves before they went to kindergarten.  They also skipped block letters and started them off with some kind of ugly, half-cursive writing for the alphabet.

[Valerie1979]

Sounds like he's doing fine.  The only thing I'd suggest is:

Can he tie his shoes?  That was something my brothers had to be able to do themselves before they went to kindergarten.  They also skipped block letters and started them off with some kind of ugly, half-cursive writing for the alphabet.

he tries to tie shoes, but only his dress shoes require to be tied - - his others are velcro -- will think about this!

[samrhett2]

My son was a preemie too.  His delays were diagnosed when her was about 1 so he was able to catch up however he has some strange quirky things still that they told me were probably from him being a preemie that might never change.  He is a terribly picky eater because he hates certain food textures, also loud noises still tend to bother him.  It is almost like he is hyper sensitive.  Just makes him unique.  He is the best thing that ever happened to me.

[glenda1bruce]

I think your child is right on track.  I do believe it depends where you live, but that is what they pretty much teach preschool children, it sound like your child is aleady ready for kindergarden.  You are doing just fine. Your child is do great doing math already.  I wouldn't worry to much about it.