There’s something about age 4. We’ve moved past the terrible twos and the threenager phase. He’s not quite a big kid, but he’s well past toddlerhood. He’s in pre-K now. He’s independent (when he wants to be). He has a robust vocabulary and will talk to you about everything and nothing at the same time. And I’ve noticed some key personality developments in my son that have come with this new 4-year-old stage of life.
Empathy
Recently, we’ve had some family members with health issues, and I overheard my son comforting his adult aunt, asking if she was OK. He also recognizes when someone isn’t feeling well or might be blue and attempts to comfort them as much as a 4-year-old can.
Patience
One of his favorite people (and mine) is his 99-year-old great-grandmother. As her hearing and sight aren’t what they used to be, he knows to speak loudly and even help guide her walker.
Impatience
“This is taking so long” could be one of his recent favorite catchphrases. The drive to anywhere, whether it’s five minutes or an hour, is just too long. And if we are going somewhere and get delayed walking out the door? That might just be the end of the world for him.
Wit
Many have said our son is the perfect mix of my husband and me — and that’s for better or worse. He is sharp with a quick comeback in the correct context — for a 4-year-old, this must mean he’s listening to the adults around him. He’s funny, and that makes moments where we shouldn’t laugh (but want to) a challenge.