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There are some key physical and communication milestones you will expect your 4 year old to reach. These milestones should be treated as a rough guide, as each child is unique and will develop at their own pace. It is often unhelpful to compare a child to other children or their siblings.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
Activities and games you can explore with your pre-schooler:
Toddlers do not need lots of toys or devices to have fun or to encourage development. Toddlers have very active imaginations. Playing with old cardboard boxes or homemade playdough are great alternatives.
Sometimes development can be slower than you expect, or you may notice something different about your pre-schooler. It's normal to feel worried but there is lots of support out there.
Contact the health visiting team if you notice your pre-schooler is:
If your child needs more help or has additional needs, you can visit our specific section for extra support.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.
You can email ccs.bedsandlutonchildrenshealthhub@nhs.net
You can call 0300 555 0606
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Or you can text:
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm (excluding bank holidays).
Information for 4 year old children
Getting dressed
Learning to get dressed is an important skill for your child to learn. It helps them become independent and gives them a sense of achievement. Every child is different and they all learn in different ways. Some children will pick this skill up quickly and others will need more time and support.
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Hygiene for toddlers and children
Teaching your child basic hygiene habits helps to keep them healthy. Good personal hygiene also helps to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Young children are unlikely to understand the importance of personal hygiene. So it’s a good idea to talk to your child about when and why they should be washing their hands, face, body and hair.
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Speech, language and communication advice
Communication and language skills are vital for your child’s development. These skills will affect their future life chances and relationships. It can also impact your child’s ability to learn, make friends and develop ideas and opinions.
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