Developmental milestones record - 4 years

Alternative names

Normal childhood growth milestones - 4 years; Growth milestones for children - 4 years; Childhood growth milestones - 4 years

Definition

This article describes the skills and growth markers relevant to 4 year-old children.

Information

Physical and motor:

• During the 4th year there is usually a weight gain of about 6 grams per day
  
• The height of your child during the 4th year should be double their length at birth
  
• Improved balance
  
• Hops on one foot without losing balance
  
• Throws a ball overhand with coordination
  
• Skillfully cuts out a picture using scissors
  
• May not be able to tie shoelaces
  
• Bed wetting at this age is still considered normal
  

Sensory and cognitive:

• Vocabulary has increased to over 1500 words
  
• Easily composes sentences of 4 to 5 words
  
• Can use the past tense
  
• Can count to 4
  
• The age when your child will ask the most questions
  
• May use words outside their comprehension
  
• May begin using vulgar terms depending on their exposure
  
• Learns and sings simple songs
  
• Tries to be very independent
  
• Increased aggressive behavior
  
• Readily discloses personal family matters to others
  
• Imaginary playmates are common
  
• Increased comprehension of time
  
• Able to distinguish between two objects based on simple criteria (such as size, weight, etc.)
  
• Less egocentric behavior
  
• Believes that their thoughts and emotions are causative events
  
• Lacks moral concepts of right and wrong
  
• Rebellion is common if expectations are excessive
  

Play:

• 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 with other children in the area to help develop their socialization skills
  
• Encourage creative play
  
• Read together
  
• Monitor both the time and content of television viewing
  
• Expose the child to different stimuli by visiting local areas of interest