"Each child is unique. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones."

"If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician." Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.

4 - 5 Years

	Hops, runs, skips, climbs with increasing skill
	Tires easily
	Is accident prone
	Enjoys making loud noises, but is frightened by unexpected sounds
	Toilets independently
	Makes designs and draws recognizable objects
	Manipulates blunt scissors
	Dresses self (with exception of shoes)
	Small muscle control lags behind large muscles
	Regresses to baby behavior periodically
	Shows new fears (becoming aware of more dangers)
	Has a penchant for silliness
	Refers to parents as final authority
	Continues to test parental limits
	Uses "naughty" words to observe reaction
	Is ready for group activities
	Talks "with" another child, but shares grudgingly
	Tattles and name-calls
	Is more aware of sex role differences
	Imitates adult activities
	Is more likely to solve problems through words than aggressive action
	Has vocabulary of about 1,500 to 2,000 words
	Speaks in 4 to 5 word sentences
	Fancies funny exaggerated stories
	Can count to 5
	Identifies some shapes
	Begins to understand some concepts of time (yesterday, today, tomorrow)
	Asks endless "why" questions
	Usually can put toys and materials away without adult assistance
	Insists on finishing an activity or project
	Lies helping with simple tasks
	Beings to know difference between right and wrong
	Shows growing ability to distinguish real-life from make-believe
	Tells tall tales, but cannot always distinguish between honesty and dishonesty
	Believes the only viewpoint is his or her own
	Believes two unrelated events can have a cause-effect relationship

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Child Development