The word milestone usually conjures up images of a baby’s first steps or hearing “mama” for the first time. The later milestones in a child’s life aren’t discussed very often, but they can be just as sentimental and significant. Preschool is a time of many changes, and you may be surprised at the independence and growth you see in your child. Here are some “big kid” milestones to look for as you celebrate your child’s development.
Playing Group Games
Before age 5, groups of children typically require a lot of direction when they play together. However, around the time children start kindergarten, you will see a shift in their ability to play in a group. Children will begin to organize their own games, help each other participate, and be mindful of the established rules. Among big kid milestones, this is often a significant one for parents since it means that children require less hands-on supervision as they play.
Independent Tooth Brushing
Preschool and kindergarten age children are typically ready to begin taking responsibility for their own health and hygiene. As with all milestones, each child will be ready for independent tooth brushing at a different time. If you are unsure about your child’s abilities, consult his or her dentist for signs of readiness. It is important to continue supervising oral hygiene as your child grows to ensure complete brushing and flossing.
Riding a Bike
You’ve probably spent many family walks pushing strollers and pulling wagons. As your child grows, these family times will change. Children in preschool develop better gross motor planning, allowing them to operate bikes and scooters independently. This will likely begin with your child moving slowly on a bike with training wheels or balance bike. However, with regular practice, your son or daughter will soon be in the lead. Alpharetta has many beautiful parks where your child has plenty of room to ride. The process of learning to ride a bike can be frustrating for some children. Encourage your child to keep trying, but try not to pressure her to remove training wheels before she feels ready. A confident child is far more likely to be successful.
Buckling and Unbuckling Car Seats
Car seats are an amazing invention, saving thousands of children’s lives each year. At the same time, every parent knows the struggle of buckling and unbuckling safety straps over and over again. In this case, the preschool years bring wonderful news for parents! Around the age of 4, many children gain the dexterity to buckle a five-point harness without help. Unbuckling takes a lot of hand strength and may take longer to master. You will be amazed at how this new ability eases travel! However, remember that a child who can unbuckle may not be aware of the importance of staying fastened while driving. Be sure to explain your expectations for buckling so that your child understands when it is appropriate to use his new-found skill.
Tying Shoes
It is common for children to develop the fine motor skills required to tie shoes somewhere around age 5. While many children this age wear slip-on or velcro shoes, it is valuable to have at least one pair with laces for practice. There are several ways to teach children to tie shoes, and a quick search online will show you helpful videos. However, big kid milestones come at different times for each child, and a kindergartener who is not yet tying shoes is not a cause for concern.
Milestones are joyful and sometimes bittersweet moments for parents. Seeing your child achieve new levels of independence and strength brings all sorts of feelings. And these meaningful moments don’t end when your baby becomes a preschooler. Instead, you can look forward to the big kid milestones that symbolize your child’s continued growth and abilities. Are you looking for childcare that supports your whole family through milestones, both big and small? Consider Legacy Academy Flynn Crossing. Call or visit today for more information.
