Typical personality Eileen Hayes Noise, activity and curiosity are features of your child between ages four to seven. Watch their vivid imagination go into overdrive...

Imagination running wild

At first your child will be exploring new ideas and ways of behaving through pretend play and then by trying things out for real.

The imagination really gets a proper workout in these years. Your child may talk to himself, make up amazing stories and may be worried about ghosts, the dark, monsters and so on. You may sometimes worry he can change his mood in a second. This is normal for this age group, as children swing quickly through different emotions.

Your child may be experimenting with swear words and your shocked or amused reaction can encourage him to continue. It can be difficult to keep calm when strong language comes from a small child. However, children rarely know the meaning of these words - they are just enjoying the excitement of your reaction.

Toilet humour and interest in his genitals are common

Toilet humour and interest in his genitals are common in these years. You may also face questions about reproduction and sex: "How are babies made?".

You may breathe a sigh of relief as your child approaches seven and begins to show an awareness of how he can fit in with others, while taking some small responsibilities in the family.

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