5 year old milestones
What most children can do by 5 years, from the CDC's 2022 checklist. Tick what your child does; it saves on this device.
Checklist: by 5 years
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Social & emotional
Language & communication
Thinking & problem-solving
Movement & physical
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Try this at 5 years
Rhyming games build the sound awareness that helps with learning to read.
When to talk to your pediatrician
Call your pediatrician today
- Your child can’t do one or more of these by 5 years
- Loses skills they once had, at any age
- Doesn’t respond to sounds or their name
- Doesn’t make eye contact or smile back by 6 months
- You have a feeling something isn’t right. Trust it and ask.
General guidance based on AAP, NHS and CDC advice, not a diagnosis. If your gut says something is wrong, call your pediatrician or nurse line. You never need permission to seek care.
Questions parents ask
What should a 5-year-old be doing?
By 5 years, most children (75% or more, per the CDC): follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children; tells a story they heard or made up with at least two events; buttons some buttons.
What if my child isn't doing all of these at 5 years?
Tell your pediatrician at the next checkup, or call sooner if you are worried. Each item is something most children do by this age, so a missing one is worth discussing but is not a diagnosis. In the US, you can also contact Early Intervention (under 3) or your school district (3+) directly for a free evaluation.