Growth Milestones for Preschoolers
As your preschooler transitions from an infant to a big kid, you will start noticing big developmental changes both physically and cognitively. During this beautiful period of transition, there are a number of things you can do to support your preschooler and help her stay on the path to healthy by monitoring preschool growth milestones. If you want to know more about what you can do or whether or not your child is on track, call Mark9 Pediatrics today.
Preschool growth milestones
As a preschooler, your child is gaining more independence and turning into a big kid. According to the CDC, between the ages of 3 and 5, your preschooler should be able to:
- Differentiate between genders and start categorizing
- Name and categorize colors
- Ride a tricycle
- Develop fine motor skills that will allow her to use safety scissors and perform other fine-motor tasks
- Get dressed by herself
- Play with other children and socialize
- Develop memory recall to tell stories
- Sing
How to support your preschooler
If your preschooler is behind or you just want to make sure you’re supporting her as best you can, you can incorporate a few things into your daily routine. Some things you can do to support your preschooler’s development are:
- Read together. Encourage your child’s curiosity and critical thinking.
- Have conversations. By talking to your child, you are helping her develop her language skills, learn how the language works, and expand her vocabulary.
- Set aside time for active play. Active, free play really helps develop your child’s imagination and problem-solving skills. Never underestimate the power of play.
- Help her create her own boundaries. During play, your child will get to learn how to set her own boundaries, and this is really important when going to preschool, playing with others, and learning about personal safety and stranger danger.
- Help your child solve problems. Instead of running to the rescue, encourage your preschooler to talk through issues and solve them. You can help her, of course, but start to encourage independant problem solving.
- Start letting your preschooler make choices. Start simple and let her choose her own snack or outfit. These skills are really important in teaching her to be her own advocate and understands what she wants and needs.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, don’t wait to talk to Dr. Moemeka. Early intervention is the best way to help your child grow up to be the best adult she can be. Call Mark9 Pediatrics today at (972) 325-2005 or request an appointment online to get your questions answered.