Your Child’s Fourth Year

Your little one is growing up so fast! By the time they turn four years old, your child will have accomplished many milestones in their journey through life. It’s an exciting time full of change as your child grows and learns, and there are certain milestones that can tell you how well your child is doing that. 

Some of these milestones might seem small, but they are an important part of your child’s overall development. That’s why it’s good for you to be aware of what changes to expect during your child’s fourth year. When you know what to look out for, you can help your child learn and grow with confidence. 

Remember, these milestones are a guide, not a hard and fast rule. Some children pick up new skills faster than others, and some children need a little extra encouragement. Don’t stress about whether your child is doing everything listed by the exact ages given. But if you are concerned about your child’s development, it’s wise to consult with one of our pediatric therapists at More to Say, LLC to get answers and advice.

Your Child by Three-and-a-Half Years

It may feel like things are slowing down with your child, but they’ve got some more tricks up their little sleeves! They’re making great strides in all aspects of life.

By the age of three-and-a-half, your child is making leaps and bounds in their physical abilities. In this stage, their physical abilities might surprise you, as they may:

  • Walk up the stairs with feet alternating on each step (though they may still go down the stairs with one foot always taking the step).
  • Be able to balance while standing on one leg for about five seconds.
  • Be able to throw a ball at a target with good coordination.
  • Make ropes by rolling Play-Doh®, putty, or a similar soft material.
  • Climb with confidence on playground equipment.

Around three-and-a-half years, your child’s language skills expand rapidly, allowing for richer conversations and deeper understanding. They may begin to express themselves more clearly and start to:

  • Understand more prepositions (like if you say something is on the table, under the chair, over the fence, etc.).
  • Use different question words to get answers, like “what,” “why,” “who,” etc.
  • Understand and use the plural form of words, like shoes or toys.

At three-and-a-half, the world around them becomes a puzzle waiting to be solved, as their cognitive skills mature and evolve. Their thinking skills are blossoming, and they might:

  • Count to at least five on their own.
  • Describe the actions happening in picture books.
  • Understand and follow daily routines, like coming to the table for breakfast in the morning.
  • Know that things like a hot stove or a ladder are dangerous and avoid them.

Navigating the social and emotional world becomes more intricate as your child approaches the three-and-a-half-year mark. Socially and emotionally, you might notice them:

  • Talk about their day, like what they did at daycare or a friend’s house.
  • Play by themselves for a while (and may prefer it sometimes).
  • Like to play with other children and want to make friends.
  • Start to understand the difference between right and wrong.

Your Child by Four Years

As the candles on the birthday cake grow to four, your child blossoms in ways that amaze and delight. Dive into the remarkable milestones they’re likely reaching during this vibrant year.

By the time your child reaches four years of age, they’ll have enhanced their motor skills considerably. They may be able to:

  • Successfully button and unbutton larger buttons, like the ones on their clothes.
  • Walk down the stairs by alternating their steps.
  • Walk backward about four feet without stumbling.
  • Hop on one foot three to five times per foot without falling.
  • Hold a fork, spoon, crayons, etc. with their fingers, not in a fist.
  • Ride a tricycle or other similar toy and successfully navigate it where they want to go.

By the fourth year, your child’s ability to communicate and understand language takes a significant leap. Here’s what they may be able to do at this stage:

  • Explain to you what different objects are used for, like the refrigerator, the TV remote, the doorbell, etc.
  • Like to sing their favorite songs.
  • Use contractions when they speak (I’m, can’t, etc.).
  • Pronounce most sounds correctly, though may still have trouble with “r” and “th” sounds.

As your child approaches their fourth birthday, their cognitive abilities expand and mature. They might:

  • Recount what will happen next in a story they’ve heard multiple times.
  • Recognize and name the basic colors of the rainbow.
  • Sort objects by size.
  • Draw pictures and tell you what each part is.
  • Tell you their first and last name, age, and gender.
  • Solve larger puzzles (about 10 pieces).

Emotionally and socially, a four-year-old starts to show a clearer sense of self and their place in the world. At this stage, your child may:

  • Pretend to be someone else when playing, such as a favorite movie character, a superhero, an animal, etc.
  • Know that certain behavior like running around or talking loudly is okay in some places (home, the playground) and not okay in others (grocery store, library).
  • Show independence with toileting and may be able to wipe themselves after using the toilet.

How to Help Your Four-Year-Old Reach Their Milestones

As your child navigates the fascinating journey of their fourth year, they are brimming with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. The world becomes their classroom, and every experience is a learning opportunity. Here’s how to ensure your budding explorer is on track with their developmental milestones:

  • Turn counting into a fun exploration. Challenge them to identify numbers in their surroundings, fostering observational skills.
  • Encourage outdoor play to refine their balance, strength, and coordination.
  • Discuss upcoming events, using age-appropriate books or videos. This preempts anxiety and builds confidence.
  • Continue to cap their digital exposure to an hour daily, ensuring its quality and relevance.
  • Engage them in conversations about colors, sizes, and shapes they encounter, solidifying foundational academic concepts.
  • Attend community events or groups that cater to their age, promoting social skills and friendships.
  • Offer toys that encourage role-play and creativity. Revel in their imaginative scenarios, validating their efforts.
  • Introduce games that challenge their thinking and reasoning, such as puzzles or matching games.

Embrace this exciting phase, watching them learn, adapt, and grow. Every conversation, game, or outing has immense potential. Your patience, guidance, and involvement shape their holistic development during these formative years. And always remember, More to Say, LLC is here to help—contact our caring pediatric therapists today to get answers and guidance.  

Schedule Your Child's Appointment Today

Are you worried about your child’s development? Fill out the form below or call us at (203) 828-6790 to schedule an evaluation at our Branford, CT, or Oxford, CT, clinic today!

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