Child Development Guide: Five to Six Years

Excessive fears; extreme separation anxiety; bedwetting; shyness; threatening or bullying peers; inhibited play; ritualistic behaviors, especially around food; persistent speech problems; toileting problems; excessive fear of strangers; lack of interest in others.

Note: Although these tasks and indicators may be present during ages 3 to 7, each may be more observable at specific times.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Can dress and undress self.	Allow independence with clothing.
May be farsighted, a common condition, causing hand and eye coordination problems.	Have child's eyes examined if problem persists. Accept awkwardness as a normal condition at this time.
Is able to care for own toilet needs independently.
May have stomachaches or vomit when asked to eat disliked foods; prefers plain cooking but accepts wider choice of foods; may have larger appetite.	Offer appealing varieties in food, but don't force child to eat anything.

Physical Development for Four to Five Years	Physical Development for Six to Seven Years
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INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May stutter if tired or nervous; may lisp.	Do not emphasize language disturbance, since it is probably only temporary.
Tries only what he/she can accomplish; will follow instructions and accept supervision.	Reinforce mastered skills and give children opportunities to be successful in new, simple activities.
Knows colors, numbers, etc.; can identify penny, nickel, dime; may be able to print a few letters; a few children learn to read on their own.	Provide opportunities for child to make change (e.g., in restaurants, stores) and to print own name and short names of favorite people and objects.

Intellectual Development for Four to Five Years	Intellectual Development for Six to Seven Years
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Five to Six Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May fear mother won't return, since mother is the center of the child's world.	Avoid leaving until the child is prepared for mother's departure and return.
Copies adults and likes their praise.	Child needs reassurance.
Plays with boys and girls; is calm and friendly; is not too demanding in relations with others; can play with one child or a group of children, though prefers members of the same sex.	Rejoice and give opportunities for group play.
Likes conversation during meals.	Allow and respond to child-initiated conversation.
Knows differences in sexes and is more modest.	Don't shame child for interest in sexual differences or for touching self.
Is interested in where babies come from.	Offer simple, accurate explanation.
If doesn't like school, may develop nausea and vomiting.	Encourage child to find enjoyable activities at school.
Is experiencing an age of conformity; is critical of those who do not conform.	Help child learn the value of individual differences.

Social Development for Four to Five Years	Social Development for Six to Seven Years
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.

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