4 yo tries to plan everything out; loses cool over it; how unusual?

[Anonymous]

This age is tough. I find it easier to not do tv on weekdays because they will just keep asking when they can watch it. Clear expectations really help this age. My kids know if they ask for tv the answer is they need to wait for movie night (Friday) or weekend rest time. They never get a different answer. So, they don’t really ask.

Also, immediately post pickup is their worst time of day. They’re so tired, hungry and emotional. With my 4 yo (actually turned 5) she is a pill after daycare but loves accompanying me on errands after dinner. We eat right at 6 and if there’s an errand to run we go after dinner when she’s calmer. She is very pleasant and helpful when we do it this way.

[Anonymous]

Have a snack in the car and feed this kid immediately. Give him a warning in the morning of what will happen after school. And for Pete’s sake, let him watch a bluey episode once you get home. And think through your overall calendar each week to make sure he gets plenty of downtime.