Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Normal Development: 5 Years Old

Physical Development

permanent teeth starting to appear
displays left- or right-handedness
builds elaborate structures
tires easily
bathes, eats, dresses, toilets independently
begins to participate in semistructured games
enjoys active games and movement
enjoys playing noisy rhythm instruments
is curious about reproduction and birth

Emotional Development

begins to express more feelings in words
embarrasses easily, and cannot yet laugh at self
feelings about death appear
shows guilt over misbehavior
likes independence
is serious and dependable

Social Development

submits to more rules and regulations
may tattle, name-call, hit and shove at times
distinguishes between sex roles
cooperates in simple group tasks
likes to please adults
takes turns during playing and speaking
gets along comfortably with other children
is keenly interested in family activities

Mental Development

begins to recognize a few letters and words
sustains activities over longer periods of time
has developed an overall image of self
craves facts
names simple colors
understands left and right on self
has a vocabulary of about 2,000 to 2,500 words
can help with easy, household chores
can learn address and phone number
can think some things through
counts to 10
begins to understand concept of opposites
can speak in sentences of 6 to 8 words
identifies coins
engages in elaborate dramatic play
understands concepts of morning, afternoon, night; yesterday, today, tomorrow
is better able to distinguish make-believe from real-life

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.


Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems