How does a child grow and develop between the ages of 2 and 5?

The ages between 2 and 5 are often called the preschool years. During these years, children change from clumsy toddlers into lively explorers of their world. A child develops in these main areas:

• Physical development. In these years, a child becomes stronger and starts to look longer and leaner. Physical growth is slower than in the first 2 years of life, but the outward changes can be dramatic.
• Cognitive development. A child this age makes great strides in being able to think and reason. In these years, children learn their letters, counting, and colors. Their play becomes more creative as they learn to imagine.
• Emotional and social development. Between the ages of 2 and 5, children gradually learn how to manage their feelings. They begin to feel ashamed or guilty when they do something wrong. By age 5, friends become important.
• Language. The ability to use words grows quickly in these years. By age 2, most children can say at least 50 words. By age 5, a child may know thousands of words and be able to carry on conversations and tell stories.
• Sensory and motor development. By age 2, most children can walk up stairs one at a time, kick a ball, and draw simple strokes with a pencil. By age 5, most can dress and undress themselves; draw a person with a head, body, arms, and legs; and write some small and capital letters.

Children usually move from one important point (or milestone) in their development to the next in a natural pattern. For example, most children say single words before they speak in sentences. But each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. It is common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another.

Learning what is normal for children this age can help you spot problems early or feel better about how your child is doing.

When are routine medical visits needed?

Between the ages of 2 and 5, a child usually goes to the doctor at age 24 months and 30 months and then once a year at ages 3, 4, and 5 years. These routine checkups are called well-child visits. These visits are important to check for problems and to make sure that your child is growing and developing as expected.

During these visits, the doctor will do a physical exam and give your child any needed shots. The doctor will weigh and measure your child to see how your child compares to other children of the same age. The doctor will also ask questions about your child's behavior and your family. He or she may also ask your child questions about favorite activities or friends.