Developmental Tasks
- To learn to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
- To become comfortable with own sexual identity.
- To make connections and distinctions between feelings, thoughts, and actions.
- To solve problems by initiating and creating.
Indicators Related to Developmental Lag
- 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. |
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. |
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. |
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Four to Five Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Exhibits a great deal of name calling; can be demanding and/or threatening. |
Keep a sense of humor. |
| Often is bossy, belligerent; goes to extremes, bossy then shy; frequently whines, cries, and complains. |
Provide outlets for emotional expression through talking, physical activity, and creative media. |
| Often tests people to see who can be controlled. |
Establish limits and adhere to them. |
| Is boastful, especially about self and family. |
Provide opportunities for talking about self and family. |
| Has growing confidence in self and world. |
Strengthen positive self-esteem by pointing out the things child can do for self. |
| Is beginning to develop some feeling of insecurity. |
Assure the child that she/he is loved. |
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Four to Five Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Is becoming aware of right and wrong; usually has desire to do right; may blame others for own wrongdoing. |
Help the child be responsible and discover the consequences of his/her behavior. Be aware of your feelings and try to understand his/her perspective. |
Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
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