Alternate Names : Childhood Growth Milestones - 4 Years, Growth Milestones for Children - 4 Years, Normal 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

• 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

• 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