Children learn, change, and grow so much between three and five years old. As a parent, it’s normal to look at other children and wonder: “Is my child on track?”
The good news is, you aren’t alone.
Is my child on track?
During regular Well Check Exams, your pediatrician asks lots of questions about how your child plays, learns, speaks, and moves. This helps the doctor tell if your child is learning and growing as expected, or if she needs a little extra help. If your child needs extra help, your doctor will connect you with the services you need.
Here are some of the things most children do between 3-5 years old.*
Look for these milestones by your child’s THIRD birthday
Copies adults and friends
Dresses and undresses self
Follows instructions with 2 or 3 steps
Can name most familiar things
Carries on a conversation using 2 to 3 sentences
Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people
Screws and unscrews jar lids or turns door handles
Climbs well
Walks up and down stairs, one foot on each step
Look for these milestones by your child’s FOURTH birthday
Talks about what he or she likes
Plays well with other children
Sings a short song from memory
Tells stories
Names some colors and some numbers
Uses scissors
Catches a bounced ball most of the time
Hops and stands on one foot up to 2 seconds
Look for these milestones by your child’s FIFTH birthday
Wants to please friends
Likes to sing, dance, and act
Tells a simple story using full sentences
Speaks clearly
Counts 10 or more things
Draws a person with at least 6 body parts
Uses a fork and spoon and sometimes a table knife
Hops; may be able to skip
*The milestones listed here are just some of the milestones for children ages 3-5. For a full list of milestones, see the CDC’s Developmental Milestones or talk to your doctor.