Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Four – Four-and-a-Half Years
The Emerging Self
Parenting Tips!
- Create opportunities for children to play together outside of school, through play dates, outings, etc., to build their social skills.
- School readiness is about being able to thrive, flourish, and enjoy the challenges – it is mostly about emotional and social maturity, rather than the ability to read and write, know colours or count.
- Children believing that they can draw, as well as enjoying the act of drawing, is as, if not more, important than technical drawing skills.
WHAT
Children begin developing their own preferences for food, clothes, toys, and friends. They enjoy making simple choices, such as what to wear.
WHY
Making choices helps children develop a positive self-identity, autonomy, and a sense of control.
HOW
Offer your child simple, manageable choices daily. Support their thinking and reasoning skills to help them plan and make thoughtful decisions, a skill essential for future school readiness.
WHAT
By four years, children's movements become steadier, and their fine motor skills improve. They can hold drawing tools, scribble, draw, colour, and cut. They can also copy horizontal and vertical lines.
WHY
At this age, children develop more dexterity and creative confidence.
HOW
Encourage your child's creative process by making art a fun and exploratory experience. Avoid pressuring them to write with forced and controlled finger movements.
WHAT
Four-year-olds become more talkative and friendly, enjoying each other's company and starting to choose their friends. They can play independently with friends for longer periods.
WHY
Children love spending time with friends and often want to emulate them.
HOW
Provide opportunities for children to play together outside of school to build social skills. Supervise their interactions but intervene only when necessary, allowing them to develop independence and social skills naturally.
WHAT
Children can perform many self-help tasks like dressing, brushing, and washing. They understand time concepts related to routines and show curiosity about their bodies and gender differences.
WHY
Self-help skills foster independence and self-worth, while problem-solving teaches valuable coping skills.
HOW
Allow ample time for routine activities to practice self-help skills. Teach children about body parts and, importantly, good/bad touch. Answer questions patiently and honestly, emphasising equality between boys and girls despite physical differences.
WHAT
Four-year-olds can recite poems, songs, and jingles, and speak in different tenses. Be aware of signs of aggression and unsuitable language.
WHY
Children are exposed to various influences through media and social interactions, which may lead to language exploration, including swearing.
HOW
Stay calm and ignore attention-seeking behaviour. If it persists, explain why certain words are inappropriate, saying, "We don't use words that upset people".
Health & Hygiene
- Infection Prevention: Encourage regular hand washing, especially after using the toilet, before meals, and after coughing or sneezing. Make hand washing fun by using child-friendly soap and singing a 20-second song while washing.
- Bathing: Ensure your child bathes at least once daily, making it a fun routine with toys or games.
- Nail Care: Keep nails short and clean to prevent biting, which can be a sign of worry or tension.
- Toilet Use: Support your child in using the bathroom independently.
- Sleep: Ensure they get 10-13 hours of sleep nightly to support health and development.
Nutrition
- Nutritional Challenges: Young children may be undernourished due to a preference for play over eating or stress related to starting school. They might develop food fads or prefer junk food. Provide active care and supervision to ensure adequate nutrition, staying vigilant about changes in eating habits and weight loss.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support growth and development.
- Avoiding Junk Food: Limit junk foods and sugary drinks to prevent unhealthy eating habits and potential nutrient deficiencies.
- Health Monitoring: Regularly monitor your child’s health and weight and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any signs of malnutrition or significant changes in appetite.
Safety
- Independence and Safety Awareness: Teach children basic safety rules as they become more independent and spend more time away from parents.
- Stranger Danger: Educate them on how to interact safely with strangers and avoid talking to or going with unknown people.
- Street Safety: Teach children about road safety, such as holding hands when crossing streets and staying close to adults in public.
- Personal Information: Ensure they know their address, parents’ names, and contact numbers.
- Bullying Prevention: Teach children how to stand up for themselves and seek help if they encounter bullying.
- School Safety: Emphasise that they should never leave school with anyone except their parents or authorised caregivers.
Special Attention
Consult your doctor if, by four-and-a-half years, your child shows any of the following signs of possible developmental delay:- Does not play with friends in small or large groups, or relate to siblings.
- Does not express creativity through words or mediums like art and crafts.
- Does not participate in indoor or outdoor physical activities.
- Does not follow routines in school.
- Does not perform simple household activities under adult guidance.
- Does not follow rules when explained.