What to expect from your 5 year old

Milestones

• Ways your child is developing between 5 and 6 years of age.
• Taking responsibility for picking up his/her room, setting the dinner table, helping prepare meals.
• Learning to wash himself/herself in the tub or shower.
• Beginning to learn the skills of sports and the rules of games.
• Tying their shoelaces.
• Learning to swim.
• Help your child learn new skills by talking and playing with them.

Parenting Tips

• Eat together as often as possible. Try turning off the TV, unplugging the phone, and enjoying each other.
• Listen when your child talks to you. Look at him/her and pay attention. Then answer or ask about their ideas. Let him/her know that what they think and say is important to you.
• Talk with your child about how to avoid sexual abuse. Teach him/her about privacy and that some touching is not right. Tell him/her they should say “no” and tell you if anyone tries to harm them.
• Limit TV or computer time so your child also has time for books and active play. Read storybooks with him/her daily. Take your child outside often to play.

Safety Tips

• Your child should always wear a lifejacket around water, even after he/she has learned to swim.
• Always watch your child closely when he/she is near the street. Children are not ready to ride bikes safely on streets or cross streets without an adult until they reach at least age 9. He/she is not old enough to always behave safely around vehicles.
• Teach your child to never touch a gun. If they find one, they should tell an adult right away. Make sure any guns in your home are unloaded and locked up