Physical
Development
- Hops, runs, skips, climbs with
increasing skill.
- Tires easily.
- Is accident prone.
- Likes making loud noises, but is
frightened by unexpected sounds.
- Goes to the bathroom without help.
- Makes designs and draws recognizable
objects.
- Can use blunt scissors.
- Dresses self (with exception of
shoes).
Emotional Development
- Sometimes still acts like a baby.
- Shows new fears (becoming aware of
more dangers).
- Enjoys silliness.
Social Development
- Refers to parents as final authority.
- Continues to test parental limits.
- Uses "naughty" words to see how others
react.
- 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.
- Imitates adults.
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.
- Likes funny, exaggerated stories.
- Can count to 5.
- Identifies some shapes.
- Can understand some concepts of time
(yesterday, today, and tomorrow).
- Often asks "why" questions.
- Usually can put toys and materials
away without adult help.
- Insists on finishing an activity or
project.
- Likes to help with simple tasks.
- Starts to know difference between
right and wrong.
- Shows growing ability to tell
real-life from make-believe.
- Tells tall tales, but cannot always
tell the difference between truth and lies.
- Believes the only viewpoint is his or
her own.
- Believes 2 unrelated events can have a
cause-effect relationship.
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.
If you have any concerns related to your
child's own pattern of development, check with your health
care provider.