Your 5-Year-Old: Your live wire

Your live wire

If it seems like your child has more energy and stamina than ever — well, he does. Encourage your child to run and burn off some of this boundless energy every day. But remember that he still lacks the judgment of an adult. His enthusiastic ways can lead him into some daredevil situations as he overestimates his abilities or the safety of a situation.

Your 5-year-old now
It may seem like only yesterday that your child was toddling along, still stumbling over his own feet. Now he's graceful and full of energy. He's more coordinated and in control of his body. He alternates feet as he climbs the stairs. He walks and runs with ease.

These physical attributes, along with boundless curiosity, account for why many 5-year-olds seem forever on the go. Chase games and running are perfectly suited to this age. Teach your child your old playground favorites, like capture the flag and the zillion versions of tag.

Your life now
One aspect of your child's behavior that starts out endearing or funny — but gets old mighty fast — is silliness. Five-year-olds can find all kinds of things uproarious, causing them to get the hysterical giggles. Or they'll repeat a goofy phrase, twirl without stopping, play puppy dog — the possibilities, alas, are pretty endless.

Selective ignoring is usually the best way to cope with the sillies. Decide whether it's a dangerous or rude behavior or merely an annoying one. It's far more effective to end an annoying behavior by ignoring it than by feeding it with your displeasure (like saying, "Knock it off already" or "That's enough," or threatening a punishment if it doesn't stop). Those reactions are all forms of attention.

Being goofy just goes with this age. Episodes of it don't mean your child is destined to be a comedian (or a puppy dog).