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Transportation Day is Friday, October 8.

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Transportation Day is Friday, October 8.

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Playdough has many benefits for young children. Here are a few inexpensive ways you can make playdough at home.

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Playdough has many benefits for young children. Here are a few inexpensive ways you can make playdough at home.

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Playdough is a fun, easy, budget-friendly material for helping children work on math and literacy skills and get creative.

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Here you can find information on child development by age and parenting articles.

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Here you can find information on child development by age and parenting articles.

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For more information about any of these ages, check out the following books. Purchasing from Amazon.com through our website supports the work we do to help families.
<recommended books about child development <all our recommended parenting books
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 18-MONTH OLD CHILD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to take into account, his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your One Year Old , by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.
Basic description of 18-month olds: "I do it myself!" Typically, an 18-month old child:

does the opposite of most instructions given by a parent

seldom obeys any verbal command

uses "No!" as chief word

is not motivated by words

is not able to wait - NOW is the time that is important

cannot stand frustration

constantly seems to find ways to frustrate self

treats people like objects (will step on, push, hit others, including babies, without remorse)

has no concept of sharing

needs one word commands (which probably won't be followed)

is very limited in what he understands, even though he now can use words to some extent

is extremely immature emotionally; may tantrum easily and often

has boundless energy and needs many outlets for it (especially stair climbing)

can be distracted or lured away from a forbidden object or activity

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development
<Library of Articles topic page

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your Two Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.

Basic description of 2-Year Olds: Terrible and Tender Typically, a 2-year old child:
is less frustrated than a child between 18-23 months
<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 2½-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your Two Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.

Typically, a 2 1/2-year old:

is in a difficult phase

is rigid and inflexible

has almost no patience; wants what he wants when he wants it

cannot adapt, give in, or wait a little while

demands that everything be in its proper (to him) place

requires routines be followed rigidly; in the same sequence, wears the same clothes, eats the same food

is extremely domineering and demanding: he must give the orders, make the decisions

is subject to violent emotions; there is little modulation of emotional expression (it is all intense!)

is in an age of opposite extremes; he finds it almost impossible to make a choice and stick with it

finds it nearly impossible to change gears, is highly persistent

is vigorous, enthusiastic, energetic

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development
<Library of Articles topic page

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 3-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of 3-Year Olds: Friend or enemy Typically, a 3-year old:

loves to conform

uses the word "Yes" easily

likes to share, likes the idea of "We"

no longer needs the protection of rituals

feels more secure in his relations with others and with himself

enjoys cooperating

likes to make friends

has increased motor abilities

has a marked increase and interest in vocabulary and language

is easily influenced to behave when exciting new words are used, such as "secret," "surprise," "different," "guess"

willingly goes forward toward new adventures

is in a high period of equilibrium; pleased with himself and with others

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 3½-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Typically, a 3 1/2-year old:

enters a period of marked insecurity and disequilibrium

can be extremely uncoordinated motorwise: stumbles, falls, may fear heights, hands may tremble, cannot draw firmly

may become uncoordinated language-wise: may seem to stutter (esp. if was highly verbal previously) - it is as if the mouth can no longer keep up with the mind
[Note: It is important for parents to stay relaxed and accepting and to not make a big deal over speech struggles in order to prevent a later problem]

may complain that he cannot see or hear right; may cross eyes frequently

uses tensional outlets more frequently: nail biting, eye blinking, nose picking, facial tics, grabbing genitals, thumb sucking may increase - 3/12 is a peak time for usage of tensional outlets

is emotionally insecure which leads to increased whining, crying, frequent questioning "Do you love me?" and frequent complaints "You don't love me."

may say, "I hate you" when frustrated by limits

is extremely demanding of adults: may demand "Don't look!" "Don't talk!" "Don't laugh!"

may demand all attention be on him; is very jealous of attention given to others

is insecure with friends: demands all their attention, shows emotional extremes - shy one minute, over-bearing the next

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 4-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of 4-Year Olds: Out of Bounds Other descriptions Gesell offers:
Typically, a 4-year old:
Intellectual Development

has learned about time - can understand past, present, future. Understands concept of days - today, everyday, yesterday, tomorrow, a week, a month, every morning, afternoon, evening

can learn seasons and holidays

can understand spatial concepts: up, down, in, out, over, around, under. Is often extremely interested in what is behind things. May want to check behind objects and people

can count three objects

can recite numbers from 1 to 10

can draw a man with two parts: head and legs

may repeat and repeat a "why" question, because he or she may not be able to understand the explanation and may feel frustrated with you and with himself because he cannot make it make sense. He keeps asking because the desire to understand remains but the ability is not there yet.

loves anything new - loves adventures, loves to experiment

Uses lots of why questions. Usually isn't as much interested in the exact mechanics of something, i.e., the how it works part, but rather the purpose of something, the why of it. May not have the intellectual maturity to fully understand explanations.

is less interested in fully completing something as beginning it and moving on quickly to the next thing

Language Development Social Development Emotional Development Fears

may have some fears, such as: fire, the sound of sirens, the dark, wild animals, and mother leaving, especially at night
Imagination Physical Development Sibling Relationship

not ready to be trusted around younger siblings. May promise to be gentle but may not be able to follow through
Health/Self-Care Discipline <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development
<Library of Articles topic page

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 4½-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Typically, a 4 1/2-year old:

is more interested in figuring out what is real and what is pretend

is a little less wild

can stick with a task a little longer

emotions are still quite volatile and uncertain: he laughs and cries easily

more persistent and demanding, less easy to distract. Behaviors may seem purposely obnoxious

has a new awareness of "good" and "bad." Loves real life stories that show who is the good guy and who is the bad guy

spiritually, may like the idea that there is a God who is strong and a friend. If part of family routine, likes to say prayers and bless everyone. This can allay some bedtime fears.

may struggle to get to sleep

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 5-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of 5-Year olds: A golden age Typically, a 5-year old: Outlook Abilities Family Fears Play/Imagination

Parents may need to consider whether their 5-year old is ready to begin first grade. Some are not ready in the different areas of maturity: emotional, social, physical, as well as the often more emphasized intellectual.

<return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 5½-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Typically, a 5 1/2-year old: Discipline Issues School/Learning Health/Self-Care

experiences an increase in colds, headaches, earaches, stomachaches - feet hurt, face hurts

may have toileting accidents when overly excited

Parents may need to consider whether their 5-year old is ready to begin first grade. Some are not ready in the different areas of maturity: emotional, social, physical, as well as the often more emphasized intellectual.

<return to top of page
<additional articles about Child Development
<Library of Articles topic page

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 6-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics. In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic Description of 6-Year Old: Loving and Defiant Typically, a 6-year old: Behavior

is expansive and out of bounds

is dramatic and loud

likes to show off

can be very affectionate

can be extremely enthusiastic and adventuresome

asks a lot of questions

is demanding, contrary or combative

is competitive - needs to be the fastest, best, the winner

may be aggressive

is stubborn

cries easily when hurt physically

tends to fling clothes all over the house

often loses shoes

suddenly seems clumsy and uncoordinated

may go through parents' private stuff

Emotions Parents School/Learning Siblings Friends Eating Bedtime is easier than at 5 1/2 Elimination

occasionally has a daytime accident

will be very ashamed about such accidents

Tensional outlets increase Many health complaints

legs hurt

arms hurt

back of neck hurts

scalp is very sensitive

increased illnesses

mucous membranes are easily irritated

peak of ear infections

complains that it is too hot and perspires easily

increased allergies

more accidents

hates the sight of blood and anything that penetrates the body

makes a big fuss whenever hurt

Parents may feel Suggestions for parenting your 6-year old <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 6½-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your Six Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.

Typically, a 6 1/2-year old:

is a little calmer than at six

has a huge capacity to enjoy life

is more warm and loving

is sympathetic

is more appreciative

loves mother again

has boundless enthusiasm

loves to explore

loves intellectual challenges

shows off accomplishments proudly

loves jokes and guessing games

<additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 7-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your Seven Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.

Basic description of a 7-year old: Age of Withdrawal Typically, a 7-year old: Emotional Growth Mood Intellectual Growth Friends Fears

has overcome some previous fears such as of the dentist or swimming

has new worries, including:

not doing well in school

hurricanes (or any natural disaster)

war

that family won't have enough money

people he loves will die

that any pain or discomfort is a sign of a fatal illness

being late for school

the dark

Privacy Parents Siblings Sex School/Learning

enjoys learning

can idolize a teacher

may have a crush on a teacher

frequently asks for permission to do tasks

wants to be special

at home, can complain a lot about school

not a good messenger for bringing papers home from school

may give a "gift" to the teacher that actually is something that belongs to mother

enjoys reading as skills improve

understands time better (which may be why there is an increase in worrying about being late)

sets high standards for self, wants perfect scores and papers, erases a lot

perseveres once starts an activity

Physical development Play Frequent use of Ethics Suggestions for parenting your 7-year old <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 8-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Basic description of 8 Year Olds: Lively and outgoing

Typically, an 8-year old:
Physical Behavior
Emotional Development

is more self-aware

can express himself through emotions such as amazement and curiosity

loves to talk

can be very dramatic

often exaggerates

is demanding

is evaluative

hard on self regarding mistakes

extremely sensitive to perceived criticism from others

can shift blame quickly to others when he attacks someone (verbally or physically)

can tell time better but may be more careless than the more anxious seven-year-old stage

eagerly meets challenges

can over-estimate abilities

often boasts and then comes up with alibis

hungry for praise (may put himself down in order to get it)

likes to bargain

Intellectual Development Parents Mother Father Siblings Friends/Relationships

has more friends than previously

some eight-year-olds have many friends, others only one or two

wants a good two-way relationship

is more willing to cooperate and conform

may pick on any child considered to be an outsider

plays more with same sex children

beginning of "secret clubs"

cares about relationships

heightened curiosity in learning how relationships around him function

can approach strangers with more confidence

Eating

increased appetite

will eat more new foods

Clothes Health Collections Sex Suggestions for parenting your 8-year old <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 9-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of a 9-year old: Unpredictable
This is an age marked by more individual differences. Therefore, it is a more difficult age to describe and predict. For example, some:
Interests Intellectual Development

is willing to attack new and difficult tasks

is better able to reason things out

can thoughtfully plan approach to a project or activity

likes to complete every last detail

sometimes can exhaust himself trying to get everything finished satisfactorily

may have trouble finding the time to do everything he has planned

is willing to do something over and over again in order to become proficient at it

boys can seem almost obsessed about achieving their goals, especially if there is a time pressure

makes finer, more detailed evaluations of things, notices subtle differences in things and in emotions

loves to talk about things; talks less just for the sake of hearing his own voice

may ignore requests unless they make sense to him

complains and gives excuses for not doing tasks, such as having some sudden physical ailment (eyes hurt so cannot read, stomach hurts so cannot clean up a mess). These complaints may be legitimate, i.e., the pain is real, but usually it is temporary

tends to be matter-of-fact about death

School/Learning Ethical Development Imagination

tells less tall tales and wild exaggerations

believes less in fairy tales and magic, although may be very superstitious

Friends Family relationships Mother Father

may be a growing respect for father and for father's occupation

enters a new relationship with his father based on shared interests, especially for boys

Siblings <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 10-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of a 10-year old: Relaxed and easy-going Typically, a 10-year old:

is frank, un-self-conscious, accepts life and the world as they are

delights in physical activities - sliding, running, climbing, jumping

Family

is closely attached to family; mother has special prestige, but still gets along well with father

can be very nurturing towards younger siblings, even pets

Social School/Learning

likes school, likes to learn and accepts a reasonable amount of homework without resentment

is good at memorizing

Moral/Ethical Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 11-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Basic description of an 11-year old: Fluctuates between extremes

Typically, an 11-year old:
Outlook Behavior Physical Family Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 12-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics. In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Basic description of 12-Year Olds: The calm before the storm

Typically, a 12-year old:
Social School/Learning Family

shows increased tact when caring for younger siblings

has improved mother-daughter relationship

Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 13-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.
Basic description of 13-Year Olds: Introspective

exhibits occasional moodiness

is more serious, less spontaneous, more reflective and more self-critical

Communication Responsibility Intellectual Development Family Social Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 14-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your Ten to Fourteen Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary.

Basic description of 14-Year Olds: Coming into His Own Typically, a 14-year old: Intellectual Social Family Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 15-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development.

Basic description of 15-Year Olds: A Very Complex Age Social Communication

uses exaggerated language to express scorn

respects the spoken word and works hard to accurately state thoughts and ideas

Family School/learning Physical

has less energy, which may appear as laziness

has less interest in food, even sweets

Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 16-YEAR OLD

As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember every child will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule. Every child does not exhibit all of these characteristics.

In order to fully understand your child, you need to consider his temperament, situational factors, age-related developmental tasks, maturity level, and whether he is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium.

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development.

Basic description of 16-Year Olds: A Sense of Independence

Typically, a 16-year old:
Emotional
Intellectual

is more oriented towards the future- plans for college, can talk about marriage in serious vein

is less impulsive and shows better judgment

Social Family

has fewer arguments with family members, including siblings

separates from home, may get summer job or attend special camp

Summary of adolescence: <return to top of page <additional articles about Child Development <Library of Articles topic page
Many thanks to Diane Wagenhals and Lakeside Educational Network for sharing this material with us.
© 2002 Lakeside Educational Network's PREN. "18 month - 16 year old." All rights reserved.

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For more information about any of these ages, check out the following books. Purchasing from Amazon.com through our website supports the work we do to help families. <recommended books about child development <all our recommended parenting books As you read these lists of typical child behavior, remember will do things in his own unique way and on his own schedule.

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20 Tips for Parents from Preschool Teachers

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20 Tips for Parents from Preschool Teachers

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This is one of our favorite articles to share with parents. The picture is not showing here, but the link does work. You will find practical tips that you can implement at home right away.

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20 Tips for Parents From Preschool Teachers

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Five teachers with a combined 90 years of experience share tips for parents of 2- to 5-year olds.

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The Early Risers Podcast dives into important conversations about equity and inclusion.

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George Floyd's death was a tragedy and a wake up call - expanding a global conversation about race and racism. And young children have been watching it all. So how do we make sense of this for them?

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At the beginning of the school year, we gathered as a faculty  learn more about gender affirming practices. Our presenter, Jess Jones, shared this list of children's books.

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This is an excellent resource for families. Here you will find a ratings guide by age for movies, books, and games.

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Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between

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Get advice for Preschoolers from Common Sense Media editors.