Five Year Old-ages and Stages

Characteristics of the 5 Year Old Child:

The five-year-old is surer of himself and is generally dependable. He has learned to do what is expected of him. You can usually reason with him, and he will comprehend why you want something done a certain way. A five-year-old might still have some difficulty using small muscles, but can usually print his study and a few other words.

He is much more reliable and independent than at age four and less apt to get distracted en route to the garbage can. He adores stories, learns ideal by repetition and adores group projects. A five-year-old is usually friendly, sympathetic, affectionate, and helpful, but when he doesn’t get his own way he can become quarrelsome. It is very motivating for him to receive new privileges, which show he is “bigger” and “older.”

Task Expectations

Make his bed (comforters work best)
Clean and trim his fingernails
Wipe up spills
Pick up trash in the yard
Spot clean the walls
Shake area rugs
Wipe off furniture, fingerprints from walls, etc
Feed and water the pets
Know his address and phone number
Dial 911 in an emergency
Service projects like helping pick up trash in the park

Physical Development

Moving, moving, all the time They are very good at physical activities, like running, climbing, siding, balancing
They have usually developed right or left hand preferences
They can bathe themselves, but might not get really clean or be healthy to do hair shampooing
The rate of growth is starting to slow down and they do not have the appetite they had when they were younger
Starting to lose their baby teeth
Hate to rest and yet tire easily. Might have meltdowns and need time alone.

Mental Development

They speak …a lot! You might have a hard time getting a word in edgewise
Have a great memory and can state their full names, addresses, and birthday.
It is more apparent to them when something is really true or they just wish it were true
They can count by using their fingers
They enjoy matching size, color, shape and what goes with what
Nature is the greatest classroom for this age
May have bad dreams and nightmares or irrational fears

Social Development

They love to dress up and play in groups
They can get along with peers superior than siblings
Enjoy doing art projects

Emotional Development

They don’t have the temper tantrums, but might “dig their heels in”
Usually very close to their mom and want to please her
May be impulsive and take things that belong to others
When they are tense or stressed, they might pick their noses, bite their nails or blink their eyes
They might cry or scream when frustrated

Five year olds are starting to pull away and become their own person. If you want to get them to do something they don’t want to do, make it into a game. They love praise and encouragement, but then don’t we all?

If you would like to learn more about how to use encouragement for positive action, grant me to give you a free eBook on verbal and nonverbal communication. Just go to http://www.UseEncouragingWords.com You will be glad you did and so will your child.

(c) Judy H. Wright, ArtichokePress.com You have permission to reprint this article in your blog, ezine or offline entrepot as long as you keep the content and contact information intact. Thank You.

Artichoke Press is the home site of Judy H. Wright, family relationship coach and author. If your organization would like to schedule Auntie Artichoke, the storytelling trainer, for a workshop please call 406.549.9813.

You are also invited to visit our blog at http://www.AskAuntieArtichoke.com for answers and recommendations which will enhance your relationships. You will also find a full listing of free tele-classes and broadcasting shows held apiece Thursday just for you.

Thanks for joining our community of caring parents, family members,coaches, instructors and mentors who want to help raise a generation of responsible adults.

Five Year Old-ages and Stages
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