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Your child’s development—What to expect at four years
Your 4-year-old is continuing to explore the environment and to enjoy more
social interactions. Play remains critical to social development. Your child
will like being with peers and requires less adult supervision. He or she can
distinguish between genders and might engage in male-female role play. Other play
activities might include hopping, ball throwing, cutting with scissors, and
drawing. (Most 4-year-olds can copy a cross.)
Language and motor skills develop rapidly during this time. Your child’s
vocabulary will grow quickly. He or she can now understand two-step commands.
Four- to five-word sentences are used most of the time. Some 4-year-olds will have
a short period of stuttering, but otherwise speech is good. During the year,
your child will be able to tell a story, name one to two colors, and count up to
four
objects.
Your child will enjoy new independence. You can expect him or her to dress
without assistance (except tying shoes).
Praise your child for learning new skills.
Four-year immunizations
Make sure your child is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Today’s report for your 4-year-old
Child’s Name
Examined by Dr.
Weight
%
Length
%
Head
Immunizations
Milestones
Notes
How to be your child’s biggest fan.
As your child grows, he or she is more likely to start interacting with other
children, especially in "competitive" situations. From little league
to coloring contests, here are six tips to develop your child’s positive
self-image.
- Make sure your child knows that, win or lose, you love him or her and are not
disappointed with his or her performance.
- Be realistic about your child’s abilities. Don’t expect too much.
- Emphasize improved performances, not winning. Positive reinforce
improved skills.
- Don’t relive your past through your child.
- Be a cheerleader for your child, as well as other children.
- Be a positive role model for your child. Enjoy activities with your
child. Set your own goals. Live a healthy lifestyle.
Ten things to do instead of yelling or hitting
Being a parent is probably the most difficult job you will ever have.
Children can test your patience almost every day, and with other lifestyle
pressures building up, keeping your cool can be almost impossible. You don’t
have to lift a hand to hurt your child. Words can hit them just as hard. The
next time you feel yourself losing control, try one of these alternatives:
Put your hand over your mouth and count to 10; better yet 20.
Stop in your tracks, press your lips together tightly, and breathe
deeply.
Phone a friend or phone the time and temperature number.
Say the alphabet under your breath.
If someone can watch the children, go outside and take a walk.
Take a warm bath or splash cold water on your face.
Grab a pencil or crayon and write down your thoughts.
Give your child a "time-out" for five minutes.
Turn on the radio and sing really loud.
Hug a pillow or stuffed animal as tightly as you can.
Safety first
- Poison-proof your home, paying special attention to cabinets at child
level. In the event your child ingests a potentially harmful substance,
keep the container and call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
- Hot tap water should be less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Smoke detectors should be located on each level of your home and
outside of each bedroom.
- Keep firearms unloaded and locked in a cabinet if you must have them
in the home.
- Practice fire drills at home.
- Your child should not ride a bike without a helmet.
- Discuss stranger safety.
- Your child should never swim without supervision. All pools and water
areas should be inaccessible to your child.
- Until your child can be taught to cross the street independently, an
adult should always accompany him or her.
- Check to make sure playground equipment is secure. Look for loose
parts.
- Be careful when removing food from microwaves. Children can be burned
by steam escaping from lids, plastic wrap, cooking bags, and food
itself.
- When entertaining, make sure someone is assigned to watch the kids.
Too often, accidents happen when everyone assumes someone else is in
charge.
Appropriate toys for your 4-year-old
- Car, trucks, or any wheeled toys
- Big snap-together blocks
- Dollhouses, play furniture, and tea sets
- Play dough or clay
- Coloring books, crayons, markers, and paint
- Simple puzzles
- Books
Should I call the doctor?
Yes. If your child
- Becomes sluggish or inactive
- Will not eat
- Cries more than usual
- Develops an unusual rash
- Has a fever at any age
- Vomits repeatedly (not just spitting up)
- Has frequent loose, watery bowel movements
- Breathes rapidly, wheezes, or has any difficulty breathing.
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