Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Growth & Development: I'm big!

Growing up...

Five years old... wasn't it just yesterday when your child depended on you for everything? Now he/she is setting the table, inventing new games and can't wait to go play at a friend's house. They enjoy sharing, taking turns and giving things to people, and they understand the difference between right and wrong.12

Good memory...

Your toddler's language and number skills continue to develop, and by now, they can probably remember and repeat sentences of at least eight words. They know their tenses, and can write numbers up to 10. Days of the week, seasons of the year and basic shapes are becoming part of his/her repertoire.12

Toddler Tips

Good Advice for Mom

  • Think protection. You want your toddler to be active, but you also want them to be safe. Keep in mind they are still developing coordination, balance and judgment, so it's up to you to protect him/her as they tests their new skills. For example, they should always wear a helmet when riding a tricycle or bike; he/she should have constant supervision in a swimming pool, even if he/she knows how to swim; and they should already know the rules of the street so he/she won't dart out after a ball or the dog.13
  • Monitor your child's brushing. White spots on your child's teeth could be signs of trouble. When bacteria sits on the tooth, it causes the tooth enamel to wear away and leads to tooth decay. The answer? Start supervising when he/she brushes their teeth to make sure they does a thorough job. You may want to brush for them before bedtime just to be sure.14
  • Proper sleep is critical for health, growth and development. Naturally, every child is different when it comes to sleep habits, but by the time your tyke is five, he/she probably needs 10 to 12 hours a day, including a nap. If they frequently fall asleep in the car, needs to be awakened in the morning, or seems cranky and irritable during the day, he/she may not be getting enough.15

12 “Your 5-Year-Old,” “Your 5 ¼-Year-Old,” “Your 5 ½-Year-Old,” and “Your 5 ¾-Year-Old”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

13 “Raising a Fit Preschooler”www.kidshealth.org

14 “Tooth Trouble”www.child.com

15 “How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need?”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Don’t Bug Me!

Playing outside is one of the joys of summer, but your toddler isn’t the only one taking advantage of the warm weather. Bugs are on the rise this time of year, but insect repellent can help protect your child from biting insects
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Vitamin Efficiency

Multivitamins seem like a good way to ensure your toddler gets the nutrients he needs. But before you add the fun shapes and sweet flavors to his routine, talk to your pediatrician. Many think multivitamins are unnecessary for children unless they lack certain vitamins and minerals because of a food sensitivity or poor diet. If you decide multivitamins are right for your toddler, give him a children’s formula to prevent toxic doses, keep them out of his reach and teach him vitamins are medicine and not candy.

Source: Mayo Clinic website at www.mayoclinic.com, August 4, 2006

Now Hear This!

Listening skills are vital to your child’s education, verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. He’ll start learning to listen as young as two when you practice and encourage these good habits: Get down on his level and make eye contact while talking. Don’t interrupt unless there’s a question. Divide listening and talking roles. Pay attention to what he says and respond with a nod or a comment. Ask him to repeat what you’ve talked about and compliment him for being a good listener.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.