Physical development: 4-5 years

Motor skill development

At this age, your child will be able to move well when walking, climbing, hopping, skipping, marching and galloping (but might lose her balance when jumping). She’ll be able to walk heel-to-toe, skip unevenly and run well.

He’ll be able to walk down steps using alternating feet, and judge his footholds well when climbing. He might also be able to hop up to four times without touching both feet on the floor.

Your child will be beginning to understand the idea of moving while travelling through a space. For example, she might walk along a curved pathway and gallop in a straight line in a playground. She’ll understand the need to move without bumping into others.

Your child might be able to balance while doing a forward roll without falling over. He’ll be able to support his weight on a combination of body parts – for example, on his head and hands.

Your child will be getting better at throwing, catching, kicking and bouncing a ball. She’ll be learning how to kick a ball along the ground while moving behind it. She’ll also be able to hit a balloon in the air with different body parts, and is learning to hit a balloon with a lightweight paddle, or to hit a suspended ball. She might be able to hit a large ball off a batting tee with a plastic bat, but will have trouble using long-handled implements, such as a hockey stick, to hit an object on the ground.

At the playground, your child will still lack the wrist strength he needs to propel himself along the monkey bars.

Your child’s hand-eye coordination will be getting better, letting her build complex block structures, do puzzles, string small beads together, put small pegs in small holes, use tools such as toy hammers or screwdrivers, and pour sand or liquid into small containers.

If he’s had enough practice, your child can cut on a line continuously with scissors.

She’ll be getting better at using writing, drawing and art tools like pencils, markers, chalk and paint brushes. She’ll be drawing combinations of simple shapes, people with at least four parts, and objects that are recognisable to grown-ups.

Your child will rarely spill when using a cup or spoon. He’ll be able to dress and undress without your help. He might be able to lace his shoes or clothing, but won’t be able to tie them up yet.

She’ll now be showing a preference for being right-handed or left-handed.

Health status and practices

At this age, your child will be able to brush his teeth and comb his hair on his own. He can wash and dry his hands before eating and after using the toilet. And he can clean up without constant supervision.

Your child might try new food on her own. She might also enjoy helping you make simple, healthy snacks.

He’ll be getting better at calming himself down.

Your child will continue to build awareness and her ability to follow basic health and safety rules, such as fire safety, traffic and pedestrian safety. She can respond appropriately to potentially harmful objects or substances. She knows how to follow routines in emergency situations, and how to seek help if it’s needed.

• Rated13 ratingsRate this item
• FeedbackTell us what you think of this item
• Your story Share your parenting tips