PHYSICAL AND MOTOR During the 4th year, a child typically: - Gains weight at the rate of about six grams per day
- Grows to a height that is double the length at birth
- Shows improved balance
- Hops on one foot without losing balance
- Throws a ball overhand with coordination
- Can cut out a picture using scissors
- May not be able to tie shoelaces
- May still wet the bed (normal)
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE The typical 4-year-old: - Has a vocabulary of over 1500 words
- Easily composes sentences of four or five words
- Can use the past tense
- Can count to four
- Will ask the most questions of any age
- May use words that aren't fully understood
- May begin using vulgar terms, depending on their exposure
- Learns and sings simple songs
- Tries to be very independent
- May show increased aggressive behavior
- Talks about personal family matters to others
- Commonly has imaginary playmates
- Has an increased comprehension of time
- Is able to distinguish between two objects based on simple criteria such as size and weight
- Lacks moral concepts of right and wrong
- Is rebellious if expectations are excessive
PLAY As the parent of a 4-year-old, you should: - Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
- Instruct the child how to participate in, and follow the rules of sporting activities
- Encourage play and sharing with other children
- Encourage creative play
- Teach children to do small chores, such as setting the table
- Read together
- Monitor both the time and content of television viewing (preferably less than 1.5 hours of TV, no more than 3 hours maximum)
- Expose the child to different stimuli by visiting local areas of interest
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Pediatric Growth & Development
