Growth rates differ markedly
Children begin to become very definitely lean or common

More physical illnesses common mild "feigning" is common

Increase in allergies and upper respiratory complications

Good large motor skills - love to use the body in broad strokes

Small muscle and eye-hand coordination just beginning

Few toileting accidents

Boys may still wet the bed

Awareness of opposite sex and interest in body - make take rectal temperature playing Rx

Interest in "baby" process

Play best in "twos"

Hate to lose at games

Messiness is common

Falsely sure of self, brash

Seems warm and enthused when getting own way, but slightest turn of events may turn on tears, anger, temper tantrums

Oppositional more often than complaint, "wears a NO"

Very extreme in emotions - loving one moment, hating the same person the next

Wants to be loved "the most" do the "best" and receive everything s/he sees

Winning becomes crucial - naturally competitive

Bravado mixed with many anxieties as fears - many of them new to the child

General fidgeting and may chatter constantly

Sways to extremes of egocentricity

Engages in many power struggles

High levels of structure and ritual calm, soothe the child

Specific rules and consistent consequences help

Child may tend to express a pessimistic view of life

Needs help overcoming own rigidity

Petty theft and lying begin or frequently increase - child expresses embarrassment if caught

Cheating usually increases since child "has" to win

Often does not like self

Has difficulty being social

"Reverts" to poor manner, asocial stance, rudeness

Child insists on being right and "knowing" - may tell parent "My teacher said!~" and teacher may hear- "My dad knows!"

If child did not build a sense of trust as a young child, may be "street wise"

Poor at adapting to friend's needs or admitting any guilt

Mental imagery may be used to begin integration of ideas

Practice of logic may be helpful during a task, but child is seldom ready to initiate

Concentration of energy is focused on either reading or hand writing for mastery instead of both

Child wants to learn to read if not too hard