Your preschooler will grow and develop at a different pace than their peers or siblings. There are some typical behaviors that you may see as they reach new milestones.

• Emotional Development Ages 2 to 5 Years
• Milestones for 4-Year-Olds      
• Milestones for 5-Year-Olds
• Your Child’s Feelings (HealthLink BC file #92c)

Play is an important part of a child’s development. Play teaches children how to interact with siblings, other children and caregivers. Allowing time for play helps children learn to use their imagination and develop motor and social skills. Learn ways you can set up activities and create time and space for children to play.

• How to Teach Your Child by Example
• Your Child and Play From Birth to 3 Years (HealthLink BC File #92a)

Speech and language skills develop during the first few years of life. As your preschooler grows you may worry about your child’s speech and language development. Learn about what you can expect at different stages and which signs to watch for that could mean your child should see a healthcare provider.

• Speech and Language Delays: Common Misconceptions
• Speech and Language Development
• Speech and Language Development: Red Flags
• Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 3 to 5 Years
• Speech Problems: Normal Disfluency
• Stuttering
• Thumb-Sucking

There are many fun and interactive ways to help your preschooler learn speech and language. Learning these skills teaches them how to communicate and express their feelings. It is also an important first step in learning to read and write.

• Encouraging Language Development in Your Preschooler
• How Reading Helps Language Development

Caring for Kids

Caring for Kids provides parents and caregivers with information about their child’s and teen’s health and wellbeing.

Health Canada

Health Canada’s Just for You-Children page provides helpful resources for parents and caregivers about children’s health, and the surrounding environment, food safety and consumer product safety. Learn more about children’s topics on healthy living, medicines, injuries, oral health and smoking and drugs.

• Health Canada
• Just for You-Children

About Kids Health

About Kids Health is a health education resource for children, youth and caregivers that is approved by health care providers at the Hospital for Sick Children. It empowers families to become a partner in their own health care by equipping them with reliable, evidence-based health information. Visit the following web pages for additional information on kids’ health and safety.

• About Kids Health
• Safety and the Environment

Last updated: November 21, 2024