Your Child’s Growth & Development at Age 5

Have you noticed the little but significant changes in your child? Like how they are becoming less dependent on you. Learning to do things on their own. Becoming their own person. This is all part of growing up.

Children at 5 hit a new milestone in their lives. They learn to be less dependent, more controlled, expressive of their emotions and eager to learn new things.

It’s ok to be concern about the changes your child will go through. If you get an idea beforehand about the changes, you can be reassured that your child is on the right track.

Development Milestones at age 5

Each child is unique. They reach the developmental milestones at their own pace. Children at five are preschoolers and are about to embark on a new journey. You can expect your child to achieve the following development milestones at 5.

Language Milestones

You will notice that your child is using new words when they talk and speaking more clearly in full sentences. They can continue a conversation for a longer period of time.

As their curious mind is growing, they will inquire to know about things. Also be able to use tenses to indicate past and future, can remember names and addresses. More importantly, tell and share stories with you.

Your child is developing their communication skills at this stage. You can see them being more verbal and expressive. More interested in learning and talk about new things. They will show interest to talk about almost everyday things.

Cognitive Milestones

Most children at five can identify letters and alphabets and can count to 1 to 10. They can also draw shapes like a circle using blocks, identify and name different colors. If you listen closely you just might hear them humming their favorite tune

Your child will develop a  basic understanding of time. Like breakfast is for morning and dinner is at night. They are slowing learning new things. Things of interest around them.

You will notice how they are asking to know the names of things. You can expect a million questions from them. This is how they are getting an idea about the world around them.

Physical Milestones

The first common noticeable change is always physical. It doesn’t necessarily mean the weight and the height gains. Each child is different at this stage. Some gains while others stay on the same weight range. You will see about a mild gain about 5 pounds or less. They will also develop 20/20 vision at 5.

It’s more about muscle coordination. Their movement is more organized. They run and hop in a more balanced way and won’t be needing your help climbing up and down the stairs anymore. Some child gets their adult teeth at 5.

As their muscle movement becomes coordinated they are more likely to do things much easier. They will be able to brush their teeth without your help. Your child can get dressed and climb downstairs without assistance also hold the fork and use it properly.

Emotional developments

Another important development milestone for your child is the emotional one. Your child will have more control over their feelings. They won’t get upset to spend time away from you and will be more expressive.

Till now they have played quite a lot of make-believe games. But now they will start to grow out of it.

Emotionally they are learning to express themselves. When angry they might throw a tantrum. These are all part of growing up. You will find them accepting rules. They want to be helpful. This can be by offering to help you with daily tasks.

Social development

Your child will soon be going to kindergarten. You can notice them trying to expand their social circle. They will be more excited to meet new people and be friends. Bond easily with caregivers outside of family like the teacher.

Building friendship is important in social development. They will learn to play and share things with their friends.

They will soon have some friends they like and trust. Express interest for play dates with them. They might even try to copy their friends.

Your Role as a Parent

As parents, we have a major role to play in our child’s development. We have to keep a keen eye to make sure they are developing smoothly. We need to be there for them through thick and thin with unconditional love.

Here are a few things you can do to help your child’s development.

• Talk to them about anything they show interest in.
• Read them stories
• Play with them on a daily basis
• Ask them to assist you in simple work around the house
• Set playdates with their friend. They will learn to be more social.
• Make sure they get enough sleep
• Give wholesome food
• Take them to the park for a walk
• Encourage them to play with toys and participate in outdoor games
• Set some ground rules for them to follow

Development Watchlist

Development is different for each child. Some show signs of early development and some are a bit delayed. It’s hard to say at which age they will master all the milestones.

The behavioral changes we mentioned might be different for your child. He/she might do things differently then what we have mentioned. You shouldn’t be concerned as long as you don’t see the following signs in them.

• Shows passive behavior
• Expresses aggressive behavior
• Not interested in playing with other children
• Does not respond when a question is asked
• Remains sad most of the time
• Shows disinterest in almost everything
• Has trouble remembering things like last name or first name
• Is not eating properly
• Has sleeping problems
• Loss of balance when walking or running

Be reasonable as they might lash out sometimes. It’s a natural reaction – all children lash out more or less. Don’t jump into conclusions.

In case you notice these signs at an extreme in your child, talk to your pediatrician about them.

Final Thoughts

Raising young kids is not easy. There is no perfect way of doing things. You are likely to make mistakes and learn from them. You are only one who can give your best to assist in your child’s development.

 

Author Bio:

Stepheny is a content writer at FeedFond. She’s a loving mother to her two children and is passionate about psychology and philosophy. To read more of her articles, visitFeedFond.com.