Make Your Child Smarter

Brain Development of a Young Child

Q: I wanted to know what are the symptoms of a slow developed brain of a 4 year old child?

A: When brain development is slow, this would eventually affect development in other areas. The following guide may be useful in describing skills and growth markers of 4 year olds (taken from http://health.allrefer.com). Three main aspects are described; physical and motor, sensory and cognitive, and play.

Physical and motor

• During the 4th year there is usually a weight gain of about 6 grams per day.

• The height of your child during the 4th year should be double their length at birth.

• Improved balance.

• Hops on one foot without losing balance.

• Throws a ball overhand with coordination.

• Skillfully cuts out a picture using scissors.

• May not be able to tie shoelaces.

• Bed wetting at this age is still considered normal

Sensory and cognitive

• Vocabulary has increased to over 1500 words.

• Easily composes sentences of 4 to 5 words.

• Can use the past tense.

• Can count to 4.

• The age when your child will ask the most questions.

• May use words outside their comprehension.

• May begin using vulgar terms depending on their exposure.

• Learns and sings simple songs.

• Tries to be very independent.

• Increased aggressive behavior.

• Readily discloses personal family matters to others.

• Imaginary playmates are common.

• Increased comprehension of time.

• Able to distinguish between two objects based on simple criteria (such as size, weight, etc.).

• Less egocentric behavior.

• Believes that their thoughts and emotions are causative events.

• Lacks moral concepts of right and wrong.

• Rebellion is common if expectations are excessive

Play

• Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity.

• Instruct the child how to participate in, and follow the rules of sporting activities.

• Encourage play with other children in the area to help develop their socialization skills.

• Encourage creative play.

• Read together.

• Monitor both the time and content of television viewing.

• Expose the child to different stimuli by visiting local areas of interest.

I hope the above helps; however, it is best to see a pediatrician for an accurate description based on the health history of the child.

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