We have been covering opposites recently.  Try explaining what opposite means to a 4-year-old without using the word “opposite.”  Not as easy as it would seem, huh?  I’ve taken the road of showing him and pointing out when things are opposite to define the word for him.

I had backed off for a bit when he didn’t seem to be fully getting the idea.  Back to the drawing table on this point.

Today we had a victory.  When I was trying to get him to nap this afternoon, he busted out his new word.  “Mom, I just want to do the opposite of napping.”  It was one of those weird moments in parenting when you feel 500 things at once.  I was so proud of him for using it all on his own, in the right context.  Annoyed that he waited for this moment to use it.  Wanted to make it a teachable moment and discuss options of what exactly is the opposite of napping.  The last thing I wanted to do was get into a discussion of other things he could be doing.  I ultimately just wanted him to be quiet and get some sleep.  It was an emotional morning for him, which always means he needs to do the opposite of stay awake a minute longer!

Check one for our home schooling.  He learned the concept of opposites and applied his new knowledge in a real life setting!  Napping and applying concepts all in one.  Just doesn’t get any better than that!

He did finally sleep.