Child Development Guide: Three to Four Years
Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Categories: Early Years (Birth-5), An Overview of Ages 3-5
Categories: Early Years (Birth-5), An Overview of Ages 3-5
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 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: Three to Four Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Runs, jumps, begins to climb ladders; can start to ride tricycles; tries anything; is very active; tends to wander away. | Carefully supervise physical activities. Set necessary limits. |
| Scribbles in circles; likes to play with mud, sand, finger paints, etc.; can begin to put together simple puzzles and construction toys. | Provide materials and activities to develop coordination, e.g., sand, crayons, paint, puzzles. |
| Dresses self fairly well; cannot tie shoes. | Provide opportunities for child to dress self. Let him or her pick clothes. |
| Can feed self with a spoon or fork. | Let child feed self. |
| Takes care of toilet needs more independently; can stay dry all day but perhaps not all night; becomes very interested in own body and how it works. | Label all body parts without judgment, and answer questions about body functions simply and honestly. |
| Physical Development for Two to Three Years | Physical Development for Four to Five Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Three to Four Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Continues to learn through senses. | Provide many sensory experiences, e.g., sand, water, pictures. |
| Uses imagination a lot; starts dramatic play and role playing; likes to play grown-up roles, e.g., Mommy, Daddy, firefighter, spaceman, Wonder Woman. | Provide props for dramatic play, e.g., old clothes, shoes, make-up. |
| Begins to see cause-and-effect relationships. | Point out and explain common cause-and-effect relationships -- how rain helps flowers grow, how dropping makes glass break, how hitting hurts a person. |
| Is curious and inquisitive. | Explain things to the child, answer questions honestly, and help child put feelings and ideas into words. |
| Intellectual Development for Two to Three Years | Intellectual Development for Four to Five Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Three to Four Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Is sensitive about the feelings of other people toward self. | Develop a warm relationship with child. Express and show love for and confidence in the child. |
| Is developing some independence and self-reliance. | Encourage independent activity. |
| May have fear of strangers, animals, the dark. | Never force the child to participate in frightening activities. Don't ridicule. Provide a night light. |
| Is anxious to please adults and is dependent on their approval, love, and praise. | Give approval through facial expressions, gestures, and verbal responses. Avoid negative remarks about the child. Emphasize the family's love for the child. |
| May strike out emotionally at situations or persons when having troublesome feelings. | Offer love, understanding, and patience.
Help child work with and understand own emotions. (Note: Some temporary regression and jealousy are common if a new baby arrives.) |
| Emotional Development for Two to Three Years | Emotional Development for Four to Five Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
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