Development
Physical
- Loves active play.
- Can be reckless (does not understand dangers completely).
- Is still improving basic motor functions.
- Is still not well coordinated.
- Begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting a ball.
- Tires easily.
- Dawdles much of the time.
- Is fascinated with the subject of teeth.
- May become a more finicky eater.
- Uses crayons and paints with some skill, but has difficulty writing and cutting.
- May resist baths.
Emotional
- May have unpredictable mood swings.
- Is quite sensitive to criticism.
- Has a problem admitting a mistake.
- Feels quite guilty about mistakes.
Social
- Evaluates self and friends.
- Begins to impose rules on play activities.
- Cooperates with other children with some difficulty.
- Has difficulty considering the feelings of others.
- Values independence.
Mental
- Likes taking responsibility for simple household chores.
- Likes to make simple decisions.
- Counts to 100.
- Asks endless “how-what-when-where-why” questions.
- Continues to refine concepts of shape, space, time, colors and numbers.
- Begins to understand the difference between intentional and accidental.
- Begins to understand differences of opinion.
- Still has a short attention span (about 15 minutes maximum).
- Enjoys dramatic play.
Parenting
- Read to your child every night.
- Limit the amount and monitor the quality of television.