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

Lunch Box Basics

If you're concerned about your toddler getting a healthy meal or snack when he heads off to nursery school, daycare or the babysitter's, fix it yourself! He'll like the grown-up feeling of carrying his own lunch box and you'll rest easy knowing he's getting the nutrition he may need.
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Toddler on Aisle Three

Holiday shopping with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. Try these tips: Go in the morning when she's less likely to be cranky. Give her regular breaks from the stroller or shopping cart to let off steam. Bring water and healthy snacks like nuts, raisins or granola bars to keep her energy up, and disposable wipes for cleaning hands. Tell her the store rules and enforce them. Remind her to use her soft "public" voice when she needs something.

Source: "Ten Tips for All Day Shopping with a Toddler," www.thingamababy.com, May 18, 2006; "How to Take a Toddler Shopping," by Rose Halas, www.essortment.com