Routine Well Visit: 5 years

Language continues to explode with more complex sentences, story telling and improvement in conversational speech. A 5-year-old child should know the ABC’s, colors and shapes and can draw a person with at least 3 parts. A child may be able to write their name, cut with scissors and hold crayons and markers. By age 5 it is clear that they are right- or left- handed.
They can hop on one foot, swing, climb and walk forwards and backwards easily.
Children require 10-12 hours of sleep per night. Some children may still nap once per day. They can have nightmares and night terrors

Children are curious and need to have child proof homes and careful observation to prevent injuries. Hot water heater temperatures should be kept under 120 degrees. Homes should have fenced-in yards and children should be encouraged not to play in the street. Protective equipment for bike or scooter riding should be required. Supervision around bathtubs, swimming pools or other bodies of water is required to prevent accidental drowning. Use of sunscreen and insect repellant should be encouraged
All adults should refrain from smoking. The exposure of children to smoke can lead to chronic illnesses such as asthma.

Children should be offered 3 meals and 3 snacks of healthy foods per day. Choosing fruits and veggies, yogurt, cheese, nut butters, lean meats and fish. Whole grains and low sugar cereals are good options. It is recommended to stay away from soda and to encourage milk and water. Juice should be limited to 4-6 oz per day.
Encourage your family to eat together and share stories. Get out together for a walk, and encourage free play in addition to organized activities.
Dental visits twice a year will help their teeth stay healthy for their entire lives and improve nutrition.

Build self-esteem by providing encouragement, praise and spending time together. Children can learn family rules, respect for authority and right from wrong. Appropriate discipline includes consistency of rules and reinforcing good behaviors. Children can start to do small chores, such as making the bed, clearing the table and putting away toys
Children can learn all body parts. Begin to discuss privacy and not letting anyone touch or see private parts.
Family time remains important including talk and play.

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