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Child Development - The Five-Year Old
The Five-Year Old At Home

by Kimberly L. Keith
for About.com

Daily Routines

The five-year old loves family mealtime; not so much for the food, but for the fellowship with the family. In fact, she'd rather talk than finish her dinner. She likes plain foods and must be encouraged to try anything beyond meat and potatoes. Start with salad and simple casseroles to expand her food choices.

Fives need lots of sleep and many will still take a nap. Serve dinner early and begin your bedtime routine so that he is in bed by 8:00 p.m. during the school year. You'll still want to run his bath and stay nearby, but he can pretty much bathe himself. He needs to be reminded to brush his teeth morning and evening.

Bedwetting may be an occasional problem, especially with boys. Take steps to reduce liquids in the evening and consult your pediatrician if bedwetting is an ongoing problem.

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Child Development - The Five-Year Old

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