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Child's Well Visit, 4 Years: Care Instructions

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Your child may like to sing songs, hop, and dance at 4 years old. They may be more independent and prefer to get dressed without your help.

Many children can draw a person with a head, a body, and arms or legs. They know their own first and last name.

They may know what is real and what is pretend. Most will play make-believe and tell short stories.

Forming healthy eating habits

  • Give your child healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
  • Offer water when your child is thirsty. Avoid juice and soda pop.
  • Make meals a time for family. Remove screens, and eat together.
  • Let your child choose how much they eat. If they aren't hungry, it's okay for them to wait until the next meal or snack.

Being active as a family

  • Let your child play and be active for at least 1 hour every day.
  • Visit the park. Go for walks and bike rides, if you can.

Practicing healthy habits

  • Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
  • Limit screen time to 1 hour or less a day.
  • Put sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your child before going outside.

Keeping your child safe

  • Always use a car seat. Install it in the back seat.
  • Watch your child around water, play equipment, stairs, and busy roads.
  • Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Parenting your child

  • Give your child love and attention.
  • Let your child help with simple chores, like taking dishes to the sink.
  • Praise good behavior. Don't yell or spank. Your child learns from watching and listening to you.
  • Don't use food as a reward or punishment.

Getting vaccines

Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter W873 in the search box to learn more about "Child's Well Visit, 4 Years: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.