45 To 48 Months -Your Child Can Do Many Things
It's amazing how much your child has learned by this age!! In a short time, he has learned to run, talk, giggle at silly rhymes, and to do many other tasks. He still needs lots of help. He may want to do things that his mind and body are not ready to do yet. Readiness makes learning fun and exciting. On the other hand, he can become frustrated when he tries to learn tasks too early.
SAFETY FIRST
Throwing and catching balls is a favorite activity. He needs supervision to prevent him from running out into unsafe areas such as driveways and streets.
Provide clothes that allow for freedom in moving and shoes safe for running as well as for climbing low railings, jungle gyms, bars, trees, and other objects.
Children love to climb up trees and over fences. Your child needs protection from falls by learning how to get sure footholds and proper handholds.
Continue to teach your child safety habits and provide limits (rules).
Continue to use car seats.
Show your child what to do during an emergency like a house fire, tornado etc.
Things Your Child May Do At This Age
Hop on one foot
Catch a bounced ball with both hands
Use a pair of scissors (blunt-edged)
Tell name, age and address
Use complete sentences almost all of the time
Perform self help skills
Great Play Items:
- Large Boxes
- Oatmeal Boxes
- Wooden Spoons
- Pots and Pans
- Brooms
- Wooden Spools
- Plastic Bowls
SPECIAL NOTE:
Take time to help your child learn and grow. It is one of the most important things you can do.
At this age children ask questions about their bodies and that of the other sex. This is a part of the natural growing process. Answer their questions openly and simply so that your child feels good about himself and others.
HEALTH HINTS:
Well Baby Check-ups: 48 months - Make your appointment now!
Encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables. Do not make eating a "tug-of-war" with your child. Meal times should be happy times where new foods are tried and you and your child talk to each other.
Things You Can Do Everyday To Help Your Child Grow
Allow him to talk freely.
Show him the right way by example.
Provide opportunities to solve problems.
Let him count the spaces in a muffin tin while you are cooking.
Allow him to name items wherever you go and tell you about them.
Practice catching and throwing overhand with a ball.
Read her a book of her choice daily.
Play games like "tag" and "hide-n-go-seek."
Play the game "I Spy" when waiting in line, at the doctor's office or when in the car. The rhyme goes like this:
"Busy, Busy, Bumble Bee, I see something you don't see. And it's _________."
(Name a color or shape of an object that you both can see and let your child guess until he name the object.)
Governor Bill Haslam
