Typical Behavioral Milestones; 2 Years to 5 Years


[ACF95A.thm] These are some of the typical behaviors that you may see with children of these ages. However, it should be noted that not every child will show each and every behavior or even any of them. It should also be noted that children may go through each of these behaviors at an earlier or later time.

For example my five year old started showing the four year old behavior markers on the day he turned five. Go figure! This phase of behavior hasn't last long though. I've taken it in stride and nipped a lot of it right away with loving discipline.

The two year old:*

  • Wants exactly what he wants when he wants it.
  • Will not usually give in.
  • Everything has to be done just so.
  • Likes to give orders.
  • Has trouble making decisions; wants to be inside but wants to be outside at the same time
  • Wants to continue doing whatever he is doing no matter what.
  • Wants things to always be just the way they have always been; may accept new things but wants to keep the old things too.
  • May begin to bite.
The three year old:*
  • Enjoys having things the same way all the time; ie: peanut butter for lunch every single day
  • Isn't as demanding as a two year old.
  • Likes talking and word games.
  • Tends to be clumsy; spills and falls are very common.
  • Will sometimes revert back to being a baby and clinging to Mommy.
  • Does not share well.
  • Loves pretending.
The four year old:*
  • Tends to hit and kick more often.
  • Impatient.
  • Often loud, silly and/or obnoxious.
  • Easily frustrated.
  • Tries to shock parents and teachers.
  • Makes up wild stories.
The five year old:*
  • Likes to be near Mom and a part of everything that is going on.
  • Enjoys playing age appropriate games but tends to be more competitive and wants to win.
  • Sometimes will take things that don't belong to him because he wants them.
  • May tell a lie to avoid getting into trouble.

It should also be noted that these are simply behavioral markers, or part of growing up if you will. These behaviors are not personally directed at parents or caregivers in usual circumstances. They also do not indicate that a parent or caregiver is "failing" their child(ren). Keep in mind it is part of the life-learning experience.

*indicates information provided by Kentucky Social Services

The copyright of the article Typical Behavioral Milestones; 2 Years to 5 Years in Primary Homeschooling is owned by Cheryl Lewis. Permission to republish Typical Behavioral Milestones; 2 Years to 5 Years in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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