Remember that all children are individuals and develop at their own pace. This checklist should be used only to get a general sense for where your child is or where he is heading. If you have any concerns about your child's development, consult with your physician.
Physical Development
Climbs ladders and trees
Hops forward on one foot
Walks down stairs alternating feet
Jumps from low height with both feet together
Enjoys twirling, swinging, somersaulting
Performs U-turns on tricycle/bicycle
Buttons clothes
Laces shoes
Copies a square
Copies a triangle
Draws human face and body
Intellectual Development
Counts 10 objects
Counts to 30 by memory
Explains action taking place in picture
Identifies various coins
Understands difference between fantasy and reality
Understands concepts of size (biggest, longest, etc.) and of spatial relations (back and front, up and down, etc.)
Understands sense of time
Constantly asks Why? When? How?
May enjoy telling violent stories
Social And Emotional Development
Talks about what he did that day
May feel rivalry with same-sex parent
Increases interest in TV
Uses bad language heard from peers
Enjoys outdoor play and making crafts
Follows game rules with other children
Language Development
Uses action verbs, plurals, and past-tense when speaking
Vocabulary explodes to 2,000 words
Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.