Before you know it, the somewhat calm 3-year-old becomes a dynamo of energy, drive and more out-of-bounds behavior. At the same time, their mind is a font of imaginative ideas. The "monsters" they talk with at school or the "dragon" who helps them across the street are normal tall tales for 4- to 5-year-olds. All of this behavior and thinking will help your child build a secure foundation as they approach kindergarten.
Here are some other milestones you can look for.
Movement milestones
Stands on one foot for 10 seconds or longer
Climbs stairs alternating feet without support
Hops, somersaults
Swings, climbs
May be able to hop on one foot
Milestones in hand and finger skills
Copies triangle and other geometric patterns
Draws person with at least three body parts
Prints some letters
Dresses and undresses without assistance
Unbuttons and buttons medium-size buttons
Uses fork and spoon
Usually cares for own toilet needs
Language milestones
Cognitive milestones
Can count 10 or more objects
Correctly names at least four colors
Better understands the concept of time
Knows about things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
Social milestones
Wants to please friends
Wants to be like her friends
More likely to agree to rules
Dresses and undresses without much help
Engages in well-developed imaginative play
Brushes teeth
Shows more independence and may even visit a next-door neighbor by self
Developmental health watch
Because each child develops in her own particular manner, it's impossible to predict exactly when or how your own preschooler will perfect a given skill.
The developmental milestones listed here will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older. Don't be alarmed if their development takes a slightly different course. Talk with your pediatrician, however, if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.
Shows extremely fearful or timid behavior
Shows extremely aggressive behavior
Is unable to separate from parents without major protest
Is easily distracted and unable to concentrate on any single activity for more than five minutes
Shows little interest in playing with other children
Refuses to respond to people in general, or responds only superficially
Rarely uses fantasy or imitation in play
Seems unhappy or sad much of the time
Doesn't engage in a variety of activities
Avoids or seems aloof with other children and adults
Doesn't express a wide range of emotions
Has trouble eating, sleeping, or using the toilet
Can't differentiate between fantasy and reality
Seems unusually passive
Cannot understand two-part commands using prepositions ("Put the cup on the table," for example, or "Get the ball under the couch.")
Can't correctly give their first and last name
Doesn't use plurals or past tense properly when speaking
Doesn't talk about their daily activities and experiences
Cannot build a tower of six to eight blocks
Seems uncomfortable holding a crayon
Has trouble taking off their clothing
Cannot wash and dry their hands
More information