Stacy Innerst, Post-Gazette Click photo for larger image.

A: We think your son is lucky to have his big sister to help him develop important experience and skills.

At this point, we think the "shadowing" isn't an issue. We assume your daughter is in school for at least part of each weekday, so the shadowing can't be full time -- and it does, as you note, help him learn.

		Parenting 4 Kids Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. Through this column, 4 Kids staff members answer reader questions about raising children in the critical early years. E-mail questions for consideration to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org, or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.

You might talk privately with your daughter about giving your son some choices about the activities they'll do together so he can practice choosing and imagining (and even leading, insofar as he's able) as well as imitating. That can also be helpful to her own growth -- it's basically an early lesson in child development.

There will come a point where your daughter wants increased independence from her little brother -- who will also need more interaction with his own circle of friends. At that time, you'll need to find more ways for him to interact with kids his own age -- perhaps in a quality early learning program, or, if you prefer, through informal play groups.

Good luck and enjoy your "dynamic duo"!