I am often asked "what do I do with my 4yo????"  This can be a really tough age, especially if you have older children.  At this point they see their siblings working on school and they start to want *something* to do.  The biggest mistake a Waldorf mom can make is to get stressed and start planning a school day for this child.  Remember that they need to play now more than ever.  Just a year or so ago they were just getting the hang of talking, going potty on their own... now they are in full little kid mode... let them stay there!  You have three years before you really need to think about formal school.  Of course you can do kindy activities, but remember that it shouldn't be stressful for you and it certainly shouldn't be much for them... do not get anxious, you have YEARS of real planning ahead of you... save this time. 

So what can you do to take that school edge off? We've been doing something for a while that I have really enjoyed and Sam is over the moon about. I find that when I take a bit of time with just him at the beginning of the school day then he is happy as a clam to draw, play with play dough, draw with chalk... you name it.

Start with some fun books... we've collected a bunch through the years but they all came home from the library first. I generally let the little ones pick as I have found they pick the best ones... I also love to spend a good date with Erik sitting in the kids section at Barnes & Noble. 

After you've got a good book... then think about what you can do with it.  Take this one for instance... Sam LOVES blueberries.  I might start the week with banana blueberry bread for breakfast - letting him help of course! 

1/4 c. veg oil
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 c mashed bananas (about 3)
1/2 c. choc chips OR BLUEBERRIES!
nuts if you want

Preheat oven at 350. Grease and flour a loaf pan. Sift the dry together, add the wet.  Pour into pan and bake about 70 to 80 minutes.

 We might enjoy another morning just eating blueberries for breakfast.

Maybe another morning blueberry pancakes? Muffins? So many possibilities! Each morning he looks forward to reading his story AGAIN... he doesn't get tired of it, he loves it and this special morning time then gives him the security he needs to just enjoy the rest of the morning while I work with his siblings. 

Blessings!