If you could give one piece of advice about dealing with 4 year olds, what would it be?

My boyfriend has a 4 year old daughter....just curiousIf you could give one piece of advice about dealing with 4 year olds, what would it be?
Remember that they DO comprehend more then you may think they do at this age. And they will sometimes share, with others, things you may not want them to. Like the time my step-daughter was about 4 or 5 and we told her to stop picking her nose and she said ';Why, my mom does it all the time.'; Of course, I thought it was hysterical. But, I doubt her mom would have. :o) If you could give one piece of advice about dealing with 4 year olds, what would it be?
Their very impressionable at this age. It's like feeling all grown up but stuck in a little persons body. They will try to repeat everything you say and do. Just give them some space to release their frustrations and energy (their very active), lots of high fives for jobs well done, time-outs/scolding and explanations as to why they've received one in the first place (no spanking or yelling please, it belittles them and subjects to lack of confidence) and major hug-a-thons and smoochies. But the most important thing is to always listen to them. They have just as much to say as we adults do and it's very important to them to express their thoughts and feelings. Overall, just interact and have fun with them. It will bring back plenty of good memories from your childhood.
Be consistent in what you say and do- remain calm but firm in the rules you and your boyfriend have set. Do not expect her to listen to you all the time- she is 4- they continually test their boundaries. Tell her you are her friend, do not try to be her mom- she has one already and that will just piss off her mom causing troubles you do not want
Get into a four year old mindset. As hard as it sounds (and it really isn't) think about BEING a four year old. Some of the most succesful parents/anyone who works with children are the ones who can relate.
Don't sit them in front of a TV instead of doing things with them. Treat them (better than) like a dog that needs regular outdoor exercise and peer stimulation. Get the kid outside and do things with her!
spank them when their bad, reward them when their good,.....


common knowledge.