Your 5-year-old: Development, behavior and parenting tips

Aug 30, 2012 11:00 AM by Tiernan McKay

Posted in Parenting / Age by Age / School Age Kids

Your Blooming
5-Year-Old

Understanding normal 5-year-old development and behavior will help you know the best way to parent your child. As parents, we know that a child's birthday comes with plenty of hoopla. With each turn of the calendar there's a new guest list, a new theme and a new 'must have' toy. When they're young, another birthday also means a number of significant accomplishments.

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What's happening physically?

Your child continues to grow, but this is a crucial time for gross and fine motor skill development. Dr. McKay says, "If you have not done so already, this is a great time to start training in dance, gymnastics, swimming and soccer — activities that encourage a child's awareness of her body, help improve focus and concentration, and engage her in collaborative relationships with other children."

What's happening neurologically?

"The brain is incredibly plastic, which means that children at this age love to memorize facts, song lyrics, and can readily learn new languages."

A 5-year-old's brain is almost the size of an adult's, but will continue to develop for the next 20 years. "The language centers of the brain are maturing and a child's speech is becoming increasingly like the adults around her," says McKay. This is also a perfect time to start teaching your child a new language or instrument.

"The brain is incredibly plastic, which means that children at this age love to memorize facts, song lyrics, and can readily learn new languages," says McKay. "Learning a second (or even third) language during early childhood improves processing speed and cognitive flexibility — two key aspects of intelligence and creativity."

What's happening socially and emotionally?

At 5, many kids are becoming aware of their individuality and learn the concept of self-confidence. While some are beginning to understand other people's moods and feelings, most are not too interested in relationships, as we understand them. "For those children who are sensitive and intuitive, this can be a difficult time," says McKay.

"Hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and even bullying and victimization can begin to shape social relationships. The good news is that many 5-year-olds are more interested in learning about dinosaurs, insects, and human anatomy than they are about navigating social relationships."

With a little patience, your child's fifth year can be an adventure... for both you and your little one.

What's up for next year? Read about your 6-year-old's development >>

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Tags: 5-year-old development age 5 behavior child development

Comments

Comments on "Your 5-year-old: Development, behavior and parenting tips"

My son is perfect!

My 5 year old daughter is using words like poop and poopy a lot out in restaurants. It is driving me nuts and worse she is making her 7 year old sister laugh. It seems really immature to me. Is this appropriate for her age? Seems like something she would have gotten out of her system earlier in life. A lot of the time she seems to act like a 3 year old instead of a 5 year old. Throwing temper tantrums in McDonald's when she doesn't get what she wants...then they give it to her for free anyway! Ugh...what to do?

My 41/2 yr son is start crying if anythings happened which he doesn't want. Whatever I say his answer is No. He doesn't show his emotion. How deal with him please suggest.

Hi Yazmine. It sounds like you and your son are both having a hard time. I feel your pain! That much crying plus social anxiety seems unusual for a 5 year old. I would talk to your family doctor about what you're seeing. Good luck!

My son is 5 years old.he is extremely sensitive. He cries for everything and anything. He doesn't like to leave the house. Even when I force him to go to the park he will not play with other kids, he will roam around alone and smile at other kids having fun. At home, he cries and cries all day. I'm frustrated and my head is about to explode. Any suggestions? Please

My son is five and byting his nails. How to stop that

My 5 year old said she likes to hurt herself at school , I asked if she likes to do this at home she said no. She asked me to keep this a secret and not tell daddy or anybody else, I am a little worried she said she likes to fall down on purpose and then cry. Her class at school has 26 children junior and senior kindergarten mix. Could it be overwhelming for her

Our 5 year year old shows strong preferences for mommy. Daddy's feelings get hurt. Will she grow out of this? How can we help daddy to feel more secure and less hurt ?

My son started grade this year and his 5 years old, he was excited and I saw his as a cleaver child but resently he has startd 2 wet himself at school and when I ask him he says it just happens.

My child is almost 5, he always challenge me and he does exactly the opposite of what I ask!

True...5 year olds are such a joy!