Your child has left babyhood and is gradually becoming self-sufficient.

Physically active and energetic, she can feed and dress herself, although shoelaces will be a problem for a while.

She has also left her baby shape behind and will grow to between 90-121 cm (36-48 inches) tall by the time she is 5, weighing up to 26 kg (57 lb).

Mature motor control
As your child nears 5, she has virtually complete gross motor skills. She can race around, hopping, skipping and jumping. She runs up and down stairs without holding on and can jump over or onto low objects.

These new abilities give her many play options - she can ride a tricycle, propel herself on a swing, use a skipping rope and throw, bounce and catch balls.

Fine motor skills are further refined
She can cut paper with scissors and copy first circles and crosses and later squares and triangles. She now has definite preference for her right or left hand. She develops good control with a pencil or paintbrush. When she draws a human figure, it includes a head, body, limbs, eyes and mouth. As she gets greater hand control, she can copy more and more letters and perhaps even write her name.

She can also cope with most grooming tasks now, although unseen zips and buttons remain difficult, as do shoe laces. There will be a definite preference for the right or left hand.

• Back To The Development Menu For More Options
• Ask Our Parenting Expert About 1-4 Yr-Olds
• Talk About Toddlers In Our Discussions!