I have been writing developmental milestones of children and though its not crypto related or something that will benefit most of the readcash community, I hope it's not an eyesore to you😁.
Do you have a toddler this age or will be turning 4 this year? From a three year old you will notice a great progress as your child approaches 4 and when he turns four. You can read it here. At this age, you will notice that your child becomes more independent and self confident.
At four, a child he likes independence, develops self control. He is likely to play longer time with his toys and eager to try new things. And when frustrated, he is able to express his feelings already.
Four years old is a time when a child is living his life to the fullest and learns by playing. He is also growing at a fast rate while his skills and knowledge continue to develop. Below are the lists a child should able to achieve or do while he approaches his 5th birthday.
Physical development
By this time, a child can develop and grow physically at a rapid pace. His eyesight also improves that he have a better hand and eye coordination which includes the big muscle or gross motor skills and small muscles or fine motor skills.
Gross motor skills
• He is likely not to bump with their playmate especially during a play activity at daycare. That is because he is able to control his big muscles and is able to jump,hop,stop and go around obstacles.
• He is also able to do somersaulting. Climb playground ladders, and do swinging on monkey swings.
• Able to pedal a tricycle or motorbike which most children this age really love.
Fine motor skills
• A child can dress by himself and do the snapping and zipping of zippers.
• Draw or copy basic shapes. Try to copy letters and make some distinct figures that look like it.
• Able to color inside the lines.
• Able to put simple puzzles and can stack up to ten toy blocks.
• Can use scissors purposely. That's why you will notice that most kids this age have a weird haircut because they cut it themselves if they saw scissors or draperies and covers cut.
• String beads to make necklace and is able to make shapes out of clay
Emotional development
A child becomes more likely to do things on their own. And develops some personality. I have noticed on my little girl this age that she is more able to express her emotions verbally.
• Starts ro show a wide range of emotion like frustration, jealousy, excitement, fear.
• One good thing is he learns how to share, be of help, cooperate and take turns.
• Starts to tell lies so as to avoid trouble though they know it's bad to do so.
• Becomes a little bossy. And wants to be always the winner when playing.
Social development
Kid this age wants to be out always to socialize with other kids their age. But sometimes play by himself or with other kids and make imaginary scenes and characters.
• He will begin to establish friendship and will even have real bestfriend.
• Because family is his primary source of interactions, he looks up to a trusted adult when in need. However, he is open for other people and playmates opinion and it becomes more important. That's why I have noticed my girl that whenever she's out playing with her playmates and when I call for her, she will hide or run just as her playmates tell her.
• Can deal with anxiety separation that he is able to stay overnight with relatives.
Cognitive Development
The self centered child he once was, he starts to understand others feelings. While his thoughts process is developing by the day so does his language and communication. His vocabulary is expanding and is able to handle conversations, and answers logically.
A kid is getting better at problem solving and tries to impress everyone with their solution. While at this stage most kids can recite the alphabet, count to 20 and identify colors and shapes it is not all about learning academics. It includes how to ask properly.
• Compare and contrast things with height, color and shape then sort them out. He is actually able to recognize them in the real world.
• Has a better exploration of ideas
• Has a greater attention span and able to stick to an activity for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Pictures and symbols actually are actually based on actual reality
• Can at least write their name
• Follow 3part commands.
Language development
At this stage, a child is a chatty one and sometimes you will lose words to say because they asked about a lot of questions.
• Can state his name, parents, siblings and even address when taught
• A child sings silly songs and rhymes them.
• Knows how to talk with someone who is involved in a conversation like for example a little sibling, he uses short sentences.
• You will notice that he not only lie but starts to make up make believe stories.
By this time, a child is likely to asked about their body parts and recognizes his sexuality. He will asked why boys and girls are different.
As a parent, use simple terminology about their body parts. And avoid scolding a child who touches his genitals. Because of his development, a simple explanation will make him understand what you say. Try to tell him that no any other person is allowed to touch his private part other than you his parent or a his doctor.
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Some kids develop earlier and can do things before they reach the age of 4. You will see some temporary regression which is normal because it is part of growing.However when majority of these were not achieved by age five, it is recommended to make a visit a health care provider or his pediatrician.
Some of the noticeable delayed development
Cant jump in place
Trouble scribbling
Is not able to express feelings accordingly
Very low attention span and gets easily distracted that he can't stand an activity for 5 minutes
Not interested to play with other kids
Wasn't able to state his full name
Was not able to follow 3part command
No eye contact or doesn't respond to other people
Rarely making make believe stories or pretending characters.
Was not able to undress, brush his teeth or use the toilet unaided.
Permanently losing skills he once had.
Always remember that kids develop at their own pace and rushing them to do things might delay a progress. Nevertheless when you noticed most of the above delayed development, talk with his doctor and know if their is a development that needs intervention to help him.
Ps. I was about to attach the link for the development milestones of a three year old. Because I thought I have published it. Unfortunately, it was not. I'm checking my notepad and the written draft was not even there. Then I remembered it was on my former mobile phone's notepad where I have saved it and I have uninstalled that notepad already. I will be writing it all over again anytime soon
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