Social Emotional Development - 4 Year Olds
It can be hard to understand the inner workings of our children. We wonder what’s going on in their heads and what they are learning. Having an understanding of childhood development can be helpful in discerning, supporting, and anticipating milestones. So I wanted to take the time to break down the different ages and what we can expect. So let’s start with our TK students. What do we see in our four year olds?
Engaging in LOTS of imaginative play
Learning best through play
Storytelling, art, building, dress up, movement, etc
Increasing awareness to social expectations
Right vs wrong
Rules
Manners
Learning to work/play together (often seeing associative play)
Sharing, negotiating, problem solving, self-advocating
Strengthening identity
Understanding own interests
Expressing likes and dislikes
Increasing awareness of gender norms
Developing empathy and cooperation
So, as important adults in a four year old’s life, how can we help support development?
Building playtime into your daily routine. Scheduling lots of time for messy, outdoor play and running around. Plus, letting your child lead during playtime increases independence!
Providing opportunities for playdates and letting children work out conflict (yes - intervening and guidance is important too)
Modeling respectful language, manners, working together
Practicing taking turns and sharing
Reading to your child. There are so many wonderful books about friendships, emotions, school, animals, the world, etc. Plus there’s an added bonus of helping your kiddo develop reading comprehension and language skills.
Increase responsibility by giving them a job around the house (e.g. setting the table, taking the dog for a walk)
Inquiring about how they and other people might be feeling (e.g. while reading a book, at the park, or around the dinner table)
If you have any questions, please feel encouraged to reach out christina@christinakingfamilytherapy.com.
Yours In Service,
Christina King, LMFT 145704
Citations and Resources:
Wood, Chip. 2017. Yardsticks: Child and Adolescent Development 4-14 (4th ed). Center for Responsive Schools.
(2021, July 26). Social Development in Preschoolers. Healthy Children, The AAP Parenting Website. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Social-Development-in-Preschoolers.aspx
(2024, May 16). Positive Parenting Tips: Preschoolers (3-5 years old). CDC, Child Development. https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/preschooler-3-5-years.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/preschoolers.html