Child Development Guide: Four to Five Years

Excessive fears; extreme separation anxiety; bedwetting; shyness; threatening or bully peers; inhibited play and talk; ritualistic behaviors, especially around food; persistent speech problems; toileting problems; excessive fear of strangers; lack of interest in others or in a child's normal activities.

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

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Four to Five Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is very active and consistently on the go. Is sometimes physically aggressive.	Provide plenty of play space both indoor and out. Provide for rest, as child tires easily.
Has rapid muscle growth.	Provide ample protein in diet since nutrition is important.

Physical Development for Three to Four Years	Physical Development for Five to Six Years
Return to Using the Child Development Guide

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Four to Five Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Has large vocabulary, 1500 to 2000 words; has strong interest in language; is fascinated by words and silly sounds.	Provide interesting words, stories. Play word games.
Likes to shock adults with bathroom language.	Ignore bad language, since paying attention to it only reinforces it.
Has insatiable curiosity; talks incessantly; asks innumerable questions.	Answer questions patiently.
Nightmares are common.	Accept the fright as real. Help the child gain power over the experience (e.g., a "magic" light to freeze the monster).
Has imaginary friends and active fantasy life.	Don't ridicule or underestimate the importance of fantasy in the child's life.

Intellectual Development for Three to Four Years	Intellectual Development for Five to Six Years
Return to Using the Child Development Guide

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Four to Five Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Really needs to play with others; has relationships that are often stormy; when playing in groups, will be selective about playmates.	Send child to a good preschool or play group. If not possible, encourage group play, but don't be surprised by disagreements or child's behavior toward different playmates.
Likes to imitate adult activities; has good imagination.	Allow child to participate in adult activities which he/she can manage, e.g., dusting, setting the table, filling pets' water dish.
Relies less on physical aggression; is learning to share, accept rules, take turns.	Expect child to take simple responsibilities and follow simple rules, such as taking turns.

Social Development for Three to Four Years	Social Development for Five to Six Years
Return to Using the Child Development Guide

Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.

Take an action

this article with friends and family.

Publish your work on education.com.

Take an action