When Your 4-Year-Old is Smarter than You

My 4-year-old is smarter than me, and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Let me illustrate.

Example 1: The Walk Solution

Today she wanted to go on a walk. I agreed, but after she'd gotten her shoes on I realized we were at home with no stroller and no baby carrier, since Mitch had taken the van to work with both inside. I told her we had no way to do our walk... sorry.

"But we do have Emily's car seat," Clara responded.

"Yes, but it's too heavy for me, I can't carry it on a walk," I responded with an "oh, sweetie..." sort of tone.

"We could put the car seat in the wagon," Clara continued politely.

I stared at her blankly, blinking a few times.

Finally, I started chuckling and then laughing in disbelief that she had so easily solved a problem that had me stumped.

Example 2: The Lost Phone

We were trying to get out the door. I doubled back into the house for my phone and something else. After a minute, Clara followed me in.

"Can you help me find my phone," I asked distractedly, while responding to a text from Mitch. "I don't know where it is."

A confused Clara said, "But mom, you already found it."

"No I didn't," I said, "I don't know where it is," as I continued around the house glancing around, all with my eyes still half glued to the lit screen in my hand.

Clara stood rooted, slightly confounded, watching me go to and fro.

"You have it in your hand!" she finally spit out.

I looked up, then back down... and burst out laughing. It was not only in my hand, but I had been using it during the conversation.

Clara loves to tell that story!

Example 3: The Story Memorizer

This girl memorizes her books... like crazy.

She got a Disney Princess anthology a few weeks ago from Nana, and has had me read her a lengthy Sleepy Beauty story several times. Then, earlier this week, she began quoting it verbatim to Emily (mind you, the book was not in front of her). She used all the language and vocabulary flawlessly, without error and with sublime annunciation. I stopped what I was doing to stare at her in amazement, wondering how far she could go.

Although she did eventually skip some pages in her mental retelling, she went on for at least a few minutes, quoting a story we had read together many times, but of which I had exactly no lines memorized. After all, it doesn't rhyme.

Example 4: The Fairy Disagreement

Another book we read frequently is about fairies. In the back you can find a "catalog" of the fairies you might find in the book. (Each book is customized to a specific child's name). She pointed to the "Apple Blossom Fairy" and told me it was in her book.

"No, it's not," I corrected lightly.

"It is!" she insisted, "I'll show you."

We flipped back through the pages, each expecting to set the other one straight.

I'll let you guess who won. :)

The moral of the story is, think twice before getting in an argument with Clara. You just might be wrong!

Matthew at Age 2

Height: 3' (86%)

Weight: 31 lbs (82%)

Head circumference: 19.6" (76%)

What he likes: 

Ball and dogs are hands-down Matthew's favorite things. He has great throwing skills and maximum interest in all things sports it seems, but especially baseball. The way he walks around the house with a baseball bat thrown over his shoulder makes me want to duck and cover, but he has a very good track record for not actually hitting things or people he's not supposed to. He does, however, really struggle to find the self control not to throw anything and everything.

He loves ice cream and his train table. He also loves rocking with Clara on our rocking horse. It's made for one child to ride, but they've figured out how to make it a seesaw for two people.

He likes performing and being the center of attention. It's fun to see him assume this role. He doesn't advocate for the limelight, so often it's Clara who occupies it.

He also likes wrestling with dad, tools, etc. He enjoys books quite a lot too!

What he can do: 

He can say so many words, but like his father, he doesn't feel the need to use them most of the time. He's putting words together into two word phrases.

He can also follow instructions, play on playground pretty independently, correctly identify several body parts, sing "Let it Go" and read two books from memory ("No David!" and "Tubby"). He can count to ten (give or take a number) and calls all immediate family members by name (never mind that he thinks Emily's name is Abby...)

Sleep: 

There's no doubt that Matthew has come through for me on sleep his whole life. At this point, he typically naps 3.5-4 hours per day, along with a good 11 hour night. He sleeps with his monkey blanket and pacifier, but he can go without if needed.

He sleeps in a big boy bed now. That transition was as smooth as pudding. Matthew is one of those kids who does a lot of what he's asked to do. He's good boy.

Other information:

Matthew is definitely two. We have our fair share of tantrums, crying, can't-make-up-my-mind melt downs, and refusals of food and others things he normal enjoys.

Thank goodness he's so cute! I just grab his little face in my hands all the time and kiss him! And he grins... it's the best!

Matthew-ismis:

Some of Matthew's memorable phrases are:

"No! uh-uh."

"Um... yeah!"

"Tickow, tickow" (when attempting to tickle you... so cute!)

"Weed book!" (read book)

"Ca-wa! Mama! Dada!" (names Matthew always says in an enthusiastic yell)

He gives me a run for my money, but on the whole he is a sweet, sweet little boy.