Development of Children Ages 4-6 Chapter 13

Rate of Growth Between ages 4-6 is slightly slower than age 1-2 Average increase in height is 2.5-3 inches per year Weight gain varies from 4-5 lbs a year Boys tends to be taller and heavier than girls during this time

Teeth Around 5-6, larger permanent teeth start to replace the baby teeth Children will eventually have a total of 32 teeth

Thumb Sucking Some 4,5, & 6 yr. olds continue to suck their thumbs occasionally as a way to comfort themselves or handle stress Generally children stop sucking their thumbs on their own Check with a dentist if thumb-sucking is excessive, it could affect the teeth line up

Motor Skills Small and large skills increase significantly 4-6 yr. olds are energetic, they love using their gross motor skills Most have improved dexterity and can now lace shoes, even if they can’t tie them, they can pour liquids into a glass Most can draw detailed pictures, use scissors, and write their names

Hand preference Some children express a preference for using one hand over the other after age 2 Others may switch until later of year 5 Ambidextrous children can write and do activities with both hands There is no reason to try to influence children to become one hand preference over another

Providing Good Nutrition Need steady and varied supply of various nutritious foods – aids intellectual development Children should eat 5-6 nutritious small meals a day, meaning 3 meals and 2 snacks Small portions are best, because their stomachs are small

Nutrition, continued Teach good habits by example Let them choose veggies and fruits to eat Add (Hide) veggies in foods like adding veggies to chili, or hide carrot chunks in a chicken casserole Nutrition lessons start at home, TV commercials may be harmful

Nutritional Concerns 2 signs that children are meeting their nutritional needs for normal growth and development are gaining weight and eating a variety of nutritious foods. Overeating can cause diabetes and heart diseases

Weight Problems All children are shaped differently and have different bone structures Doctors can give specific suggestions for your child’s body type Children need lots of activity Eat less fatty foods – starts bad habits Encourage drinking water

Teaching Self-care skills Teach children to bathe, let them practice Remind them to clean first and play and have fun later Teach children to brush their teeth and floss early Age 5 is recommended time for first visit to dentist

Sleep Sleep – children 4-6 need 10-12 hours sleep a night Read bedtime stories – 2 reasons : caregivers and parents show “nurture” and love through, close personal attention. Routine reading is a way to help children develop interest in books and reading.

Dressing and Choosing clothes 4-6 year olds start and then get good at dressing themselves Some may need help with fasteners and buttons Select layered clothing to adjust to temperature changes Buy easy –to- get on clothes Children do have likes and dislikes – try to choose your battles

Choosing clothes Keep in mind COMFORT, DURABILITY, ECONOMY They won’t wear them long before they outgrow them

Toileting By 4, most children are potty trained, but still have a few accidents Night-time bed-wetting may be a problem, check with doctor and adjust, they will grow out of it

Remember these tips Before leaving home, take child to restroom When arriving in public place, point out where bathroom is , and remind them often to go Keep an extra outfit in the car or close by Handle situations of accidents quietly and without drawing any unnecessary attention to it Stress of new places and new routines may cause relapses to accidents

Review Questions Why do some children suck their thumbs? What is hand preference? When does it seem evident (age)? What does ambidextrous mean? What are two signs that children are meeting their nutritional needs? What 2 things can over-eating cause?