The normal rate of weight increase is 3 pounds to 6 pounds per year. Children's need for food may fluctuate with activity. Childhood diseases such as measles and chicken pox are likely to occur at this time because children interact with large numbers of peers on a daily basis in school. Children who were in day care may have already had these diseases or have built up resistance. Adults need to be prepared for school absences due to illness.
Baby teeth begin to come out, and permanent ones come in.
If a child loses a permanent tooth in an accident, try to find the tooth and take it and the child to the dentist. The dentist may save the permanent tooth. Muscle coordination and control is uneven and incomplete. Encourage your child to participate in activities using high energy. Intense activity may bring temporary exhaustion.