What to Expect At This Visit:
At ages 4-5 years old, your child will receive the following vaccines:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis), and IPV (Inactivated Polio).
Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.
Additional Vaccine Information: The American Academy of Pediatrics
Development:
Note: Please know that the development of each child is unique and special. The following information on development is general and meant for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about the development of your child, please let your pediatrician know.
*Your child will begin attending school. Help prepare your child for school. Shopping for school supplies can be a very exciting time for your child. Show an interest in your child's education. Put forth an effort to meet your child's teacher and visit the school. Help your child with their homework and ask about their day at school.
Daily Life:
Feeding:
*Always encourage breakfast daily. Missing breakfast can cause your child to be tired during the day and have trouble focusing in class.
*If your child is thirsty, encourage milk or water. Children ages 4 to 8 years old require 2 cups of a milk a day. Since juice has added sugar and has a risk of cavities, limit the amount to juice to no more than 4-6 ounces a day.
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
*Encourage your child to be active 60 minutes a day. This can be in a variety of ways such as team sports, bicycling, or playing outside. Playing with your child is a great way to bond.
*Be aware of violence in tv shows and video games. Limit the amount of television your child watches to only 1 to 2 hours a day.
Safety:
*Teach your child safety afterschool. Teach your child to never get into a stranger's car. Also teach your child bus stop safety.
*As your child begins school, they may also encounter bullies. Encourage your child to speak with you or their teacher if they are getting picked on. Teach your child that they should not feel afraid at school, and speak to someone if they do.
*Your child will need to continue sitting in the backseat of the car. They will need a booster seat until their knees can bend over the seat. Booster seats are recommended usually until ages 8 to 12 years old.
*Continue to encourage bicycle safety. Children should always wear a helmet. Parents should wear helmets while riding their bicycle as a role model to your child. Also teach your child to never ride in the street or at night.
*It is recommended that you do not teach your child to swim until he/she is 5-6 years old. Remember though that knowing how to swim does not mean that they are safe in the water. Always use touch supervision, being within arm's reach of your child when they are in water. Never allow your child to swim in fast moving water. Additionally, teach your child to never dive without asking for permission first.
*Continue to teach your child about fire safety. Have your family make an escape plan should a fire occur. Also teach your child to dial 911 in case of emergencies. Teach your child to stop, drop, and roll in cases of fire.
Health:
*If your child does not go to a dentist regularly, now is the age to establish regular dentist visits. Dentist visits should occur twice a year.
Parents & Family:
* To help build responsibility, assign chores, showing trust in your child. Also model anger management and teach your child how to relieve stress in health ways.
Useful Resources & Links:
TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) safety sheet for 5 year oldsTIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) safety sheet for 6 year olds
TIPP: Home Playground Equipment Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Physical Activity information
American Academy of Pediatrics' Information on Booster Car Seats
Safety Net: AAP Site on Internet Safety for Children
Read Me A Story Check-up Guide