The Independent 4-5 Year Old

 "I can do it myself!" 

Every parent has heard this preschool battle cry at some point and it is cause for celebration!  This is evidence that your child is growing and developing.

However, at some point even the most independent preschooler can be resistant to doing some things for themselves and in some cases that's ok.  

 What are some things a 4–5-year-old should be able to do for themselves? 

• Dress themselves, choosing clothes appropriate for the weather
  
  
  
• Put on and take off their own jacket or coat
• Zip or button clothing and jacket/coat
• Use the bathroom completely independently (this includes "wiping")
• Feed themselves
• Be able to brush their teeth and wash hands/face independently
• Put their toys away
• Simple chores, such as making their bed, setting the table, or washing vegetables

Sometimes kids will want to give up when things are hard to do. To get past this, parents and teachers need to provide a lot of opportunities for practice. This will require a lot of patience and support, but it will be worth it because you will be helping your child learn persistence when things are difficult. This is a lifelong skill that will benefit your kids throughout their lives. 

 

In Pre-K students use scissors almost every day of the week. In the beginning of the year, I am flooded with requests for me to do the cutting for them because, "I can't," or "it's too hard." Every time, I tell them, “You can do it!"  I explain that the more you do something, the easier it becomes. 

 

Become your child's cheerleader and encourage them as they attempt to do new things that don't come easily. Model the task and then have them try it, offering tips and suggestions but aim for a hands-off approach as much as possible. Before you know it, your preschooler will be bursting with pride at accomplishing something difficult, which will make the next hard thing that much easier to tackle.