Behavior and Emotions

Thinking, Feeling and Doing

• I am becoming more modest. For example, I might be shy about letting you or other people see me without my clothes on.
• I try to tell the truth and expect other people to tell me the truth.
• I can control my desire to do certain things and know how to behave around other people.
• I need your praise and approval.
• I don’t like being corrected and am easily hurt when someone is angry with me.
• I can understand simple instructions and reasons.
• I am possessive of my toys and other belongings but I like to show them to other people.
• I can show my emotions but may not be able to talk about how I feel.
• I can help with household chores, like making my bed and putting away my toys.
• I need you to teach me about the feelings and rights of other people.

Toilet Habits and Grooming

• I might still pee in my bed at night. In fact, one in 10 children over the age of 5 still wet their beds. I will probably grow out of it in the next few years. If you are worried about my bedwetting, talk to our doctor or community health nurse.
• I can dress myself and might want to choose my own clothes.

Playing

• I like to draw, paint and do other crafts.
• I like to play outside and should be encouraged to play with other children.
• I understand and can play competitive games with other children, like team sports and board games.
• I might like toys with working parts.
• I can play computer games that are made for children my age.

Eating

• I am growing more slowly now and do not need to eat as much food as I ate when I was younger.
• My appetite will probably go up and down.
• I might like or not like the same foods that my friends like or don’t like.
• I need to eat a variety of foods from the four main food groups: vegetables and fruits, milk products, grain products (including breads), and meat and meat alternates.
• Some good snacks between meals are raw vegetables, fruit, cheese, whole grain muffins, plain crackers and yogurt. Sweet, sticky foods can make me less hungry at mealtime and can give me cavities.
• If you have any questions about how much food or the type of food I should eat, talk to our community health nurse.