Well Kids — 5 Years

Development and Behavior:

At five years of age your child is becoming increasingly independent. Although your child may resent and fight the limits you set, you know that they are still necessary for your child's protection. As always, make sure that the limits and rules you set are consistent and fair. Children are not stupid, and your child is no exception. If you change the rules or waffle on what you expect of your child, he or she will know that the rules you are trying to set are not firm, and will push at every opportunity. Make sure that all of the child's caregivers are in agreement with respect to the rules.

As your child grows, be sure to praise achievements and accept failure without teasing or scolding. Assign tasks at home that challenge, yet are within your child's abilities. They should develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, but not be so time-consuming as to interfere with play and friendships. Always remember that how your child feels about him- or herself will help mold what kind of person he or she becomes.

Your child will also start forming strong friendships outside of the home. You are still the most important person in your child's life, and he or she loves and respects you just as much as ever. However, friends outside the home are becoming increasingly important as well. It is important for you to recognize and respect these feelings. Just as your love for your child does not diminish with the birth of another child, so does your child's love for you remain strong even as more friends enter the picture.

Diet:

Continue to offer three well-balanced meals daily. Avoid sweets as snacks. Offer fruits, vegetables or pieces of cheese instead of cookies or candy. Remember that variety is the key. "Everything in moderation -- nothing in excess."

School:

Determining whether your child is ready to start school is a tough challenge for many parents. Often we as parents focus on the academic readiness of our children. However, we should not overlook the physical and emotional maturity of our children. Starting school is one of the biggest hurdles that your child will face. The unprepared child is frightened at the prospect of separating from home and being placed in the care of a teacher (who is a stranger to the child). She is afraid of meeting new friends and leaving old playmates behind. In contrast the prepared child is excited about meeting new people, discovering new friends and accepting new challenges. She eagerly anticipates school with a happy outlook. You should have a happy attitude about your child starting school because you influence your child's attitude towards school. You can give your child a head start in  her education (and life in general!) by encouraging enthusiasm for learning and respect for others. Before starting school, your child should know her name, address and telephone number. Make sure that your child knows the way to and from school if walking, or if riding the bus, which bus to take and where to catch it.

Kidnapping and Molesting:

Two subjects which parents don't like to discuss are the issues of kidnapping and molesting. Nobody likes to think of something like that happening to their child. However, it is unfortunately part of our society, and we need to educate our children so they can be safe. Stress to your child the dangers of talking to strangers, approaching cars to talk with the driver or going anywhere with people they don't know well. One particular danger is being tempted to go out with so-called "older friends." Make sure your child knows how to get help if she thinks she is being followed or chased. There are many good books available in public libraries to help talk to your child. One example is The Berenstain Bears Talk About Strangers by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Don't let your child become an easy target. Talk to your children today.

Safety Tips:

Your child is out of your sight more now than ever before. Be sure you teach safety and set a good example.

• Traffic: Make sure your child knows to watch traffic lights and understands when it is safe to cross the street.
• Seat belts: Make sure your child uses a seat belt every time you go for a ride.
• Bicycles: Check your child's bicycle to make sure that it is safe. Many schools will have "bicycle rodeos" to help parents with this. Check with your child's school about this. Children at this age should be told to ride their bikes on the sidewalk, not in the street.
• Water: Be aware that any water – swimming pool, lake, pond, drainage ditch – can be dangerous. Teach your children to stay away from these unless you are with them.
• Sports: As your child gets involved in sports, make sure that you stay involved as well. Check to see that the equipment is safe and that all protective equipment is used.
• Fire: Children at this age are frequently fascinated by fire. Keep all sources of fire (matches, lighters, etc.) away. Teach your child that these things are not toys. Teach your children what to do if there is a fire in your home -- how to get out, where to go for help, how to call 911, where the family will meet.
• Sharp objects: Keep knives, scissors and other sharp objects up out of reach. Teach your child never to play with sharp objects, and never to run with them.
• Poisonous plants: Many common plants are poisonous. Make sure that your child knows not to eat berries, leaves, bark, flowers, etc. Often these things will become part of a "salad" when children are playing "house."
• Drugs: Teach your child never to accept candy, treats, or any other food from strangers. There is always the possibility that these might have been laced with drugs.

If you have any concerns about your baby's health, please call your doctor. Please do not give any medicines without talking to your doctor first. We are happy to help you in any way we can.