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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Normal Development: 4 Years Old
Physical Development
 | hops, runs, skips, climbs with increasing skill
| tires easily
| is accident prone
| enjoys making loud noises, but is frightened by
unexpected sounds
| toilets independently
| makes designs and draws recognizable objects
| manipulates blunt scissors
| dresses self (with exception of shoes)
| small muscle control lags behind large muscle
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Emotional Development
| regresses to baby behavior periodically
| shows new fears (becoming aware of more dangers)
| has a penchant for silliness
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Social Development
| refers to parents as final authority
| continues to test parental limits
| uses "naughty" words to observe reaction
| is ready for group activities
| talks "with" another child, but does not listen to what
other child says
| is comfortable with other children, but shares grudgingly
| tattles and name-calls
| is more aware of sex role differences
| imitates adult activities
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Mental Development
| is more likely to solve problems through words than
aggressive action
| has a vocabulary of about 1,500 to 2,000 words
| speaks in 4 to 5 word sentences
| fancies funny, exaggerated stories
| can count to 5
| identifies some shapes
| begins to understand some concepts of time (yesterday,
today, tomorrow)
| asks endless "why" questions
| usually can put toys and materials away without adult
assistance
| insists on finishing an activity or project
| likes helping with simple tasks
| begins to know difference between right and wrong
| shows growing ability to distinguish real-life from
make-believe
| tells tall tales, but cannot always distinguish between
honesty and dishonesty
| believes the only viewpoint is his or her own
| believes two unrelated events can have a cause-effect
relationship
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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.
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Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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