Ch 14 & 15.1 Physical & Emotional Development ages 4-6

1. Ch 14 & 15.1 Physical & Emotional Development ages 4-6

2. Height & Weight • the average yearly increase is 2 ½ - 3 inches • by the time they are preschool age, children are about five times their birth weight (_________________) • due to improved diets, health habits, enriched foods, advances in medicine • on average will gain 4 – 5 pounds per year

3. Proportion & Posture • between ages of 4 – 7, the child’s body becomes straighter and slimmer • the stomach begins to flatten • the neck becomes longer • the shoulders widen and become more erect • the legs are straighter and firmer • balance and coordination is improved • is capable of doing more small motor skills

4. Teeth • around six years old, they will begin to lose their baby teeth • permanent teeth • children have 28 baby teeth that will be lost • replaced with 32 adult teeth that will not be naturally replaced • baby teeth are lost in approximately the same order as they came in

5. Motor Skills • this age group’s motor skills are greatly improved • they have improved dexterity • the skillful use of hands and fingers

6. Emotional Development: General Emotional Patterns • 4 year olds: • assert their independence • are more self-centered, defiant and boastful • often argue and are competitive and bossy • need and seek parental approval • very proud of their accomplishments, abilities, possessions and creations • deny responsibility of their actions • try to talk like an adult • tattle on their friends • have trouble separating fact from fiction • should not become upset when they make up a story • do not want to be treated like a baby

7. 5 year olds: • are practical, sympathetic and serious • improved attention spans allow the to finish what they have started • are more realistic • they know people will not believe their stories • ask meaningful questions • will conform to rules • like supervision, accepts instruction, asks permission

8. 6 year olds: • think they know everything • have mood swings • begin school full-time • a difficult time of transition

9. Specific Emotions • anger: • this age group will show anger freely • as they grow, they will learn to use their anger in different ways • 4 year olds get into physical fights and threatens to get even • 5 year olds will try to hurt the other person’s feelings • 6 year olds will tease, insult, nag, and make fun of others • effects of anger last longer • most common cause of anger is disagreements with other kids • during this time, child will begin to disguise or conceal their emotions

10. fear: • fears center around imaginary dangers • ghosts, goblins, monsters • sensitive and insecure children are especially prone to fears • afraid of school • afraid to be away from the environment they know • being around new kids • being ridiculed

11. jealousy and sibling rivalry: • very common at this stage of development • parents may make the sibling rivalry worse • show favoritism • comparing children • may begin tattling, criticizing or lying • will fade as the child develops outside experiences

12. stress: • can lead to physical problems • stomach aches, headaches, moodiness, irritability, trouble eating or sleeping • trouble at school, pulling away from groups • clinging to adults • stuttering

13. competition: • PRO: helps the child excel and prepare them for the competitive world around them • CON: discourages cooperation, can damage self-esteem • most kids like cooperative play to competitive games

14. Personality & Behavior • by the time a child is five, their personality is set • some characteristics may change because of experiences • kids tend to live up or down to the ideas other people have about them