Stoutman wrote:

Why do 'they' feel it is important to teach my 4-year old son Spanish words
when he can barely speak English??

Because at that age he'll learn Spanish without even realising it.
Leave it to 10 for starting another language and most kids will never
manage it.

If you think Spanish is a bad choice, then that's one thing. But IMHO,
_all_ kids should be exposed to a second language around this age -
it's what four year olds are programmed for.