Child's Well Visit, 4 Years: Care Instructions

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.

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.