The Preschooler and Family
The Preschooler and Family
- Proportional changes
- Age 3-6 years old
- Growth slows and stabilizes in pre-school years
- Average weight (average weight gain per year 2-3 kg)
- 14.5 kg (32 pounds) – 3 years
- 16.7 kg (36.8 pounds) – 4 years
- 18.7 kg (41.5 pounds) – 5 years
- Average height
- 95 cm (37.5 inch) – 3 years
- 103 cm (40.5 inch) – 4 years
- 110 cm (43.5 inch)- 5 years
- Preschooler is slender- sturdy, graceful, agile and posturally erect
- Little difference in physical characteristics according to gender
- Body-image changes
- Preschoolers begin to recognize differences in appearances, and identify what is considered acceptable and unacceptable
- By the age of 5 years, preschoolers begin comparing themselves with peers
- Poor understanding of anatomy makes intrusive experiences (injections or cuts), frightening to preschoolers
- Believe it is important to use bandages after an injury
- Motor skills development by age
- Walking, running, climbing, and jumping are well established by 36 months
- Refinement in eye-hand and muscle coordination
- Gross motor skills
3-Year-Old | 4-Year-Old | 5-Year-Old |
Rides a tricycle Jumps off bottom step Stands on one foot for a few seconds | Skips and hops on one foot Throws ball overhead Catches ball reliably | Jumps rope Walks backward with heel to toe Throws and catches a ball with ease |
- Fine motor skills development
- Increasing skillful manipulation, such as drawing and dressing
- Fine motor skills development