Which cognitive developmental milestone is characteristic of preschoolers?
Congratulations, you have survived the "terrible twos!" Hopefully, you have energy left to enjoy what lies ahead for you and your preschooler. They call the next few years the "magic years" -- partly because it seems like magic that your child is finally listening to you and partly because for your child, it is a time for their imagination to run wild. Show
Your 3- to 4-year-old child will continue to grow and develop in many ways in the coming year. Although children reach developmental milestones at different times, your child will likely achieve the following developmental milestones before they turn 5. 3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Language MilestonesIf your child is not very talkative, that will likely change soon. Between or at ages 3 and 4, your child should be able to:
3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Cognitive MilestonesYour child will start asking lots of questions. "Why is the sky blue? Why do birds have feathers?" Questions, questions, and more questions! While it may be annoying at times, asking questions is a normal developmental milestone. In addition to asking "why?" all the time, your 3- to 4-year-old should be able to:
3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Movement MilestonesYour busy preschooler continues to be on the move. Between or at ages 3 and 4, your child should be able to:
Your child is becoming much more nimble. At this point in their development, your child should be able to: Your 3- to 4-year-old is not only becoming more independent physically, but also emotionally. You may start to notice fewer tantrums when you leave your child with a sitter or at preschool. In addition, your 3- to 4-year-old is becoming more social. Your child may now be able to cooperate with their friends, take turns, and may begin to show some problem-solving skills. At this point in development, your child should be able to: In addition, you may notice your child's imagination is in overdrive. This can be good and bad. Fantasy and pretend play becomes more interesting and involved, but your child may also start developing unrealistic fears, such as believing a monster is lurking in the closet. There’s a ton you can do every day to help your child learn and grow, such as: And when it comes to TVs, smartphones, computers, and tablets, doctors suggest that you:
3- to 4-Year-Old Development: How to Keep Your Child SafeAll these new skills are exciting. You need to let your child explore, but you also need a watchful eye, especially when it comes to common dangers likes falls, burns, poisons, and strangers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
You’ll also find that your child can reach drawers, cabinets, and countertops that used to be considered safe. Make sure medicines, cleaning products, and even small household objects that can be swallowed -- like magnets and batteries -- can’t be seen or reached. This is also the age to make sure your child knows what to do around strangers. Teach your child their full name, address, and phone number. Also, let your child know to ask only certain adults for help, like people with uniforms or name badges. And tell your child: All kids grow and develop at their own pace. Don't worry if your child has not reached all of these milestones at this time. But you should notice a gradual progression in growth and development as your child gets older. If you don't, or if your child has signs of possible developmental delay, as listed below, talk to your child's doctor. Signs of developmental delay in 3- to 4-year-old children include:
Also, if you notice your child resisting or struggling with doing things that they were once able to do, tell your child's doctor. This can be a sign of a developmental disorder. If your child does have developmental delay, there are many treatments available to help your child. SOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics: “American Academy of Pediatrics Announces New Recommendations for Children’s Media Use.” |