There are skills and growth markers expected in a typical 4-year-old child. These milestones are physical and mental developments considered normal for this age group.
Alternative Names
Normal childhood growth milestones - 4 years; Growth milestones for children - 4 years; Childhood growth milestones - 4 years
Information
All children develop a little differently. If you are concerned about your child's development, talk to your child's health care provider.
PHYSICAL AND MOTOR
During the fourth year, a child typically:
Gains weight at the rate of about 6 grams per day
The average 4 year old weighs 40 lbs and is 40 inches tall
Vision is 20/20
Sleeps 11 to 13 hours, usually without a nap
Grows to a height that is double the length at birth
Shows improved balance
Hops on one foot without losing balance
Throws a ball overhand with coordination
Can cut out a picture using scissors
May still wet the bed (normal)
SENSORY AND COGNITIVE
The typical 4-year-old:
Has a vocabulary of more than 1,000 words
Easily puts together sentences of four or five words
Can use the past tense
Can count to four
Will ask the most questions of any age
May use words that aren't fully understood
May begin using vulgar words
Learns and sings simple songs
Tries to be very independent
May show increased aggressive behavior
Talks about personal family matters to others
Commonly has imaginary playmates
Has an increased understanding of time
Is able to tell the difference between two objects based on things like size and weight
Lacks moral concepts of right and wrong
Rebels if too much is expected of him or her
PLAY
As the parent of a 4-year-old, you should:
Encourage and provide space for physical activity
Show the child how to participate in, and follow the rules of sporting activities
Encourage play and sharing with other children
Encourage creative play
Teach children to do small chores, such as setting the table
Read together
Limit television watching to 2 hours a day of quality programs
Expose the child to different stimuli by visiting local areas of interest
References
Feigelman S. The preschool years. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 10.
Review Date:
11/9/2012
Reviewed By:
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
