Viral Infections: The Preschool Plague Pack

Toddlers walk so preschoolers could run… straight into another flu bug.

 

Most Common:

• Cold & Flu: Runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, crankiness

• Stomach Bugs: Vomiting, diarrhoea, mild tummy aches

• Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease: Still a thing — especially in kindy clusters

• Coughs: Lingering ones can last up to 2 weeks post-virus

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Red, goopy eyes — very contagious, very gross

• Croup: That barking cough at night that freaks everyone out — common but usually manageable

 

What To Do:

• Rest, hydration, comfort

• Paracetamol for fever/pain

• Keep them home until fully well — for everyone’s sake

• Use tissues, soap, and holy water (optional)

 

Fever 101: Still Not the Villain

Fever is still a symptom, not a sickness. It means their immune system is doing its job.

 

Key Fever Tips:

• 38°C and above = fever

• If they’re playing, eating, and drinking despite the fever — that’s a good sign

• Call the doctor if:

  • Fever lasts more than 3 days

  • They seem unusually tired or irritable

  • They’re not drinking fluids

  • You just know something isn’t right

 

And yes, you’re allowed to call your paed “just to check.” You’re not overreacting — you’re parenting.

 

The Itchy & Scratchy Show: Skin Stuff

Preschool is ground zero for all things red, blotchy, and contagious.

 

Common Culprits:

• Eczema: Can flare due to weather, stress, or allergens

• Ringworm: Fungal, not a worm. Round, scaly patches. Needs antifungal cream.

• Impetigo: Yellowish crusty rash. Highly contagious. Antibiotics required.

• Chickenpox: Still around. Itchy blisters + fever. Can be prevented with vaccine.

• Rashes after illness: Sometimes a viral rash appears after the fever breaks. Totally normal.

 

When in doubt — photo it, monitor it, and if it spreads fast or oozes, see a doctor.

 

Tummy Troubles & Constipation

At this age, tummy complaints are common — but not always physical.

 

Could Be:

• Food sensitivity

• Mild viral bug

• Stress (yes, even 5-year-olds have it)

• Holding in poop (hello, kindy toilets)

 

If your child complains of frequent tummy aches:

• Track their diet and toilet habits

• Watch for emotional triggers (new school, bullying, pressure)

• Encourage daily poop time (yes, schedule it)

• Give fibre-rich foods and water

 

Seek help if there’s blood, severe pain, or constipation lasting over a week.

 

Ear, Nose & Throat Encore

Preschoolers = ENT repeat customers.

• Ear infections: Still happen, especially post-cold

• Tonsillitis: Sore throat, fever, white spots in the throat — may need antibiotics

• Strep throat: Sudden sore throat + fever — test required

• Snoring/Sleep Apnea: Enlarged adenoids or tonsils may cause poor sleep and behaviour changes

 

Most ENT issues get better on their own, but if snoring is loud or they’re always tired, get it checked.

 

When to Keep Them Home from School

Don’t be that parent who sends in a coughing, sneezing child “because they’re fine.”

 

Keep them home if:

• Fever above 37.8°C

• Vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 24 hours

• Eye discharge

• Undiagnosed rash

• Just looking like death warmed up

 

They’ll recover faster, protect others, and honestly — they deserve rest too.

​

Final Word

By 4–6 years, kids are tougher, more verbal, and slightly more hygienic — but they’re still catching germs like it’s a part-time job. Don’t panic over every cough. Don’t dismiss every tummy ache. Keep a thermometer nearby, trust your gut, and stock up on Dettol, tissues, and empathy.

This too shall pass. Right after the next bug.

What’s Normal Growth at This Age?

Let’s bust the myth: not all kids shoot up like bamboo between 4–6 years. Growth slows compared to toddler years — but it’s steady and visible.

​

Average Growth:

• Height: 5–7 cm per year

• Weight: 1.5–3 kg per year

• Head circumference: Slows down significantly by now

• Body shape: Less “baby chubby,” more lean and leggy

 

Clothes will suddenly stop fitting, shoes will feel tight overnight, and you’ll find yourself saying, “Did you grow in your sleep?!” (Yes. Yes, they did.)

 

Regular Health Checks: What’s the Point?

This is where your Buku Rekod Kesihatan Kanak-Kanak comes back into play (yes, that little book with all the stickers and random scribbles).

 

At Regular Physical Checks, Doctors/Nurses Will:

• Measure height, weight, and BMI

• Check hearing and vision (some preschools offer screening too)

• Look at dental health

• Ask about sleep, appetite, pooping, and general development

• Offer vaccinations (like boosters for DTaP-IPV, MMR, and optional ones like influenza or varicella)

 

These checks usually happen at Klinik Kesihatan or private paediatric clinics and can help catch growth concerns, sensory issues, or nutrition gaps early — before they become bigger challenges.

​

Understanding Growth Charts Without Losing Your Mind

Those percentile charts? They’re guides — not scorecards.

 

What to Know:

• 3rd to 97th percentile = NORMAL range

• It’s more important that your child follows a consistent curve over time

• Sudden jumps or drops are worth checking — not panicking

 

And if you hear “slightly underweight” or “borderline tall,” take a deep breath. Genetics, nutrition, activity levels, and overall health all matter more than a single dot on a chart.

 

What Affects Growth at This Age?

Nutritional Factors:

• Not just quantity — quality matters. Iron, protein, calcium, and healthy fats are key.

• Picky eaters? Very common. Offer variety and avoid mealtime battles (see Feeding section).

 

Sleep:

• Kids this age need 10–13 hours of sleep, including naps if they still take them. Growth hormones kick in during deep sleep.

 

Physical Activity:

• At least 60 minutes a day of active play. It supports strong bones, muscle development, and appetite regulation.

 

Emotional Health:

• Stress, anxiety, or family tension can impact growth indirectly — yep, their brains and bodies are deeply connected.

 

Growth Red Flags to Watch Out For

These don’t mean something is wrong, but they do warrant a chat with your doctor:

• Crossing two percentile lines (e.g., from 75th to 25th)

• Persistent poor appetite and low energy

• Delayed physical milestones (e.g., trouble running, jumping)

• Very late or very early puberty signs

• Dramatic change in sleep, weight, or behaviour

 

Early check = early support. And Malaysia’s got excellent child development services if needed.

 

Final Word

Every child grows at their own pace. Some will shoot up early, others will bloom late. Some are built like spaghetti noodles, others like mini sumo wrestlers — both are valid.

What matters is that they’re healthy, active, and thriving in their own lane. Trust the pattern, not the panic. And remember — no chart can measure how deeply your child is growing into themselves.

What Do 4–6 Year Olds Actually Need?

They need balance, not perfection. Think: fuel for movement, focus, growth, and play.

 

Daily Goals (Roughly):

• Grains (rice, bread, pasta, oats): 4–6 servings

• Fruits & Veggies: 3–5 servings total (yes, that includes half a cherry tomato)

• Protein (meat, egg, tofu, lentils): 1–2 servings

• Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt): 2–3 servings

• Healthy fats: Small but essential (oils, nuts, avocado)

 

They also need iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D — especially if they’re picky or eating mostly beige foods.

 

Picky Eating Is Still Normal (Unfortunately)

If your kid is in the “I only eat 5 things” phase — welcome. You’re not alone.

 

Why It Happens:

• Power and independence: Food is the one thing they control

• Sensory sensitivity: Texture, temperature, or smell might be a turn-off

• Developmental: Taste buds and preferences are still evolving

 

As long as your child is growing well and has energy, it’s usually not a nutrition crisis. Variety over time matters more than every meal being a masterpiece.

 

Mealtime Strategies That Actually Work

The “No-Pressure” Approach:

• Serve a familiar favourite plus one new or previously rejected food

• Let them choose how much to eat — your job is to offer, not force

• Eat together. Kids are more likely to try what they see you eating

 

The “Presentation is Everything” Method:

• Use bento boxes, food picks, colour-themed plates — whatever works

• Rename veggies like a PR campaign: broccoli = “little trees,” pumpkin = “sun cubes”

• Let them “build” their meal — taco nights, DIY sandwiches, noodle bowls

 

The “Keep Calm & Repeat” Rule:

• Don’t react dramatically to rejections. Just offer again another day

• Try the same food in different forms: raw carrots vs cooked, mash vs sticks

• Exposure = progress, even if they just sniff it today

 

Snack Smarter, Not Harder

Snacks are still crucial — but aim for ones that support meals, not replace them.

 

Good Snack Ideas:

• Cheese sticks and fruit

• Boiled eggs

• Whole grain crackers with hummus or tuna

• Roti with peanut butter

• Yoghurt with chopped dates or bananas

 

Avoid sugary drinks, excessive biscuits, or constant grazing. Set snack windows so they don’t skip meals.

 

Hydration Still Matters (And So Does Poo)

• Encourage plain water over juices or cordials

• Limit sweetened milk drinks (hello, Milo) to occasional treats

• If they’re constipated, check hydration and fibre — not just toilet drama

 

Some kids this age will hold poop in due to school anxiety or past painful experiences — yes, it’s a thing. Fibre, water, movement, and emotional reassurance are your allies.

 

Supplements: Yay or Nay?

If your child:

• Eats very little variety

• Is underweight or tired often

• Is on a restricted diet (e.g. vegetarian without proper balance)

 

Then a multivitamin or iron supplement might be recommended — check with your paediatrician first. Most kids don’t need supplements if they’re eating fairly well. But… let’s be real. If you need the peace of mind, talk to your doctor about it.

​

Final Word

Feeding kids isn’t just about food — it’s about trust, consistency, and modelling. Keep showing up with good options, eat with them when you can, and ditch the guilt if today’s dinner was mostly rice and three grapes.

You’re building long-term habits — not chasing perfect meals.

One bite at a time. One meltdown at a time. One sneaky veggie muffin at a time.

Gross Motor Skills: Big Moves, Big Confidence

These are the full-body moves that build strength, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

 

By 4 Years:

• Runs smoothly and can stop without crashing into furniture

• Hops on one foot (or tries valiantly)

• Walks up and down stairs with alternating feet

• Throws, kicks, and catches (sometimes their own face, but still counts)

 

By 5–6 Years:

• Skips, gallops, and jumps with rhythm

• Climbs confidently (and dangerously)

• Pedals a bike or trike

• Balances on one foot for 5–10 seconds

 

These skills help with confidence, team sports, playing with peers, and yes — surviving P.E. class without crying.

 

Fine Motor Skills: Little Hands, Big Skills

This is where they prep for writing, dressing themselves, and opening snack packets like tiny bosses.

​

Key Fine Motor Skills:

• Holding a pencil or crayon with control (tripod grip forming)

• Cutting with scissors (don’t panic — it’s part of life now)

• Buttoning, zipping, and starting to tie shoelaces

• Drawing basic shapes, people, letters

• Building LEGO, threading beads, using tweezers or tongs in play

 

By 6, most kids can write their name, draw with intention, and colour mostly within the lines (unless they’re feeling rebellious).

​

Why Movement Matters (Beyond Just Burning Energy)

Movement supports everything — not just physical health.

• Cognitive skills: Crossing midline, rhythm, coordination = better reading and maths later

• Language: Movement stimulates brain areas tied to speech and storytelling

• Emotional regulation: Physical activity = mood booster, stress reducer

• Social skills: Playing games teaches cooperation, patience, turn-taking

 

Let them jump, run, climb, crash, and get messy. It’s not chaos — it’s development.

 

Easy Ways to Build Motor Skills (Without Fancy Toys)

For Gross Motor:

• Hopscotch, tag, sack race, dance-offs

• Water play with pouring, squeezing

• Obstacle courses using chairs, pillows, tape

• Playground time — climbing, swinging, sliding

 

For Fine Motor:

• Drawing, colouring, painting with brushes or fingers

• Cutting old magazines, making collages

• Playing with dough, clay, kinetic sand

• Simple crafts like tearing paper, folding, lacing cards

 

Give them real-life tasks too — buttoning clothes, stirring batter, helping sort laundry. Motor skills + independence = win-win.

 

Screen Time vs Active Time

Limit screens to 1 hour a day of high-quality content (and co-watch if you can). The rest of the day should include at least:

• 60 minutes of energetic movement

• Several short bursts of moderate play (running, climbing, biking)

• Breaks from sitting every hour (even in school)

 

Screens won’t destroy them — but balance is key.

 

When to Get Support

Talk to your doctor or child development centre if your child:

• Struggles to run, jump, or climb like other kids their age

• Can’t catch or throw even with practice

• Has poor balance or coordination

• Avoids physical activity entirely

• Can’t hold a pencil or manipulate small objects by 6

 

Early help = better outcomes. Malaysia has great physio and OT services for young kids — no shame, just support.

 

Final Word

Your child may not be the next Olympic gymnast, but they’re mastering their body in their time. Celebrate their efforts, not just their skills. Encourage movement, provide safe challenges, and never underestimate the power of playtime in a world obsessed with worksheets.

Strong hands, steady feet, and a wild imagination? That’s a powerful combo.

Body Awareness: Teach the Basics, Skip the Shame

Your child should know that:

• Every person has a body, and all bodies are different — and that’s okay.

• They can name their parts (yes, all of them — call them what they are).

• Their body belongs to them — no one can touch it without their permission.

 

Teach Real Terms:

• Use correct names like “penis,” “vulva,” “buttocks,” and “nipples” alongside everyday words like “tummy” and “knees.”

• It’s not “dirty” or “naughty” — it’s biology. Saying “down there” makes it harder for them to explain if something is wrong.

​

Why it matters: Kids who can confidently name their body parts are more protected against abuse and more likely to speak up when something’s not right.

 

Understanding Privacy & Personal Boundaries

Privacy isn’t just about bathrooms — it’s about body autonomy.

 

Key Concepts to Teach:

• Private parts are private — only trusted adults (e.g. parents, doctors with supervision) can help with hygiene or check-ups.

• Safe touch vs unsafe touch — hugs, cuddles, high-fives are okay with consent. Tickling, rough play, or unwanted touch isn’t.

• Secrets vs Surprises — safe secrets are short and happy (like birthday surprises). Bad secrets make you feel scared or yucky — and must be told to a trusted adult.

 

Make it safe for them to tell you anything — even if it sounds strange or awkward.

 

Basic Safety Rules for the Real World

You don’t need to instil fear — just clear, age-appropriate rules that stick.

 

Home Safety:

• Don’t touch sockets, stoves, scissors, or sharp things

• Ask before opening doors, windows, or “helping” in the kitchen

• Learn how to wash hands after bathroom, play, pets

 

Road & Public Safety:

• Hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road

• Always ask before going somewhere — no sneaking off

• Learn their full name, parents' names, and one emergency contact number

 

Body Safety Rule:

“If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused, or scared — tell Mama, Papa, or another trusted grown-up. It’s never your fault.”

​

Helping Kids Trust Their Gut (And Use Their Voice)

Teach them this magical power: “No.”

• Let them say no to hugs, kisses, or tickles — even with family

• Role-play situations where they practise saying no loudly and walking away

• Teach assertiveness: “Stop it,” “I don’t like that,” “That’s not okay”

 

And if someone else says no to them? Teach them to respect it. Consent goes both ways.

 

Screens, Strangers & Safety in the Digital Age

Even if they’re only using devices occasionally, they need guidance now — not later.

 

Digital Basics:

• Ask before clicking on anything

• Don’t talk to strangers online — even if it’s a cartoon character

• If something pops up and it feels “weird” — close it and tell a grown-up

 

Stranger danger? Still relevant — but teach them which strangers are safe to ask for help (e.g. teachers, security guards, mums with kids) instead of “don’t talk to anyone ever.”

 

When to Worry (and When Not To)

Totally normal:

• Curiosity about their body and others’

• Private part jokes (ugh), bathroom humour, touching themselves during nap time

• Asking “how babies are made” with scientific interest and zero shame

 

Red flags:

• Sexualised behaviour that seems advanced for their age

• Persistent secrets, especially about touching or games

• Fear of certain people or situations without clear reason

• Regression (bedwetting, fear of being alone)

 

Always trust your gut. If something feels off, talk to your paed or a child psychologist.

 

Final Word

Body awareness isn’t just about hygiene — it’s a child’s first defence against danger, and their first lesson in self-respect. When we teach them to value their bodies, speak up, and set boundaries, we raise safer, more confident kids.

So have the talks. Use the real words. Answer the awkward questions.

You’re not stealing their innocence — you’re protecting it.

What’s Happening Emotionally (And Why They’re So Dramatic)

Between 4–6 years, most kids:

• Feel emotions intensely and show them loudly

• Struggle to go from “feeling” to “talking about it”

• Begin to identify emotions in themselves and others

• Learn to take turns, apologise (begrudgingly), and feel guilt or pride

• Start developing empathy (e.g. offering a toy to a sad friend)

 

Their brains are trying to process big emotions with very little wiring for self-control. That’s why they shout, slam, pout, and whine — they’re not being manipulative, they’re just… four.

 

What Is Self-Regulation? And Why Is It So Hard?

Self-regulation = the ability to manage impulses, emotions, and behaviours in a socially acceptable way.

Translation: Not hitting your brother when he takes your biscuit.

 

Self-regulation involves:

• Recognising their own emotions

• Naming what they feel

• Knowing how to calm down

• Learning coping strategies that don’t involve throwing things

 

It doesn’t come naturally. It’s taught. Over and over and over again. With patience, modelling, and some serious inner zen from you.

 

How to Help Kids Learn Emotional Skills

Start With Naming Feelings:

• “You look frustrated. Is it because you wanted the red cup?”

• “That’s disappointment — you really wanted to win.”

 

Kids can’t manage what they can’t name. Build their emotional vocabulary with books, emotion cards, or just talking out loud.

​

Model What Regulation Looks Like:

• “I’m feeling annoyed, so I’m going to take a deep breath before I answer.”

• “I’m upset too, but let’s figure it out together.”

 

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real and consistent.

​

Teach Simple Coping Tools

They won’t always use them, but they will remember them.

 

Try:

• Deep breaths: Smell the flower, blow the candle

• Counting: “Let’s count to 10 together before we answer.”

• Movement breaks: Jump, stretch, shake it out

• Calm-down corners: A quiet space with soft toys, books, fidget items

 

The goal isn’t to stop the feeling. It’s to guide the response.

 

Validate First. Problem-Solve Later.

It’s tempting to jump straight into logic, but emotions come before reasoning — especially in little brains.

​

Wrong:

“Stop crying, it’s just a toy.”

 

Better:

“You’re sad because the toy broke. That makes sense.”

​

Once they’re calm, then you can:

“Let’s see if we can fix it or find something else to play with.”

​

Validation is the magic ingredient that helps them feel safe, heard, and open to learning.

 

When to Seek Support

Totally normal:

• Overreacting to small things

• Crying easily, mood swings

• Attention-seeking behaviour

• Struggles with transitions, routines, or sharing

 

Worth checking with a doctor or child psychologist if:

• Aggression is constant and intense

• They show no signs of empathy or guilt

• They withdraw from play or others entirely

• Meltdowns happen daily and last for long periods

• You feel constantly overwhelmed and out of ideas

 

Early support = smoother emotional growth and less stress for everyone.

 

Final Word

Your 4–6 year old is still learning to ride the emotional rollercoaster — and you're the one holding the safety bar. It’s bumpy. It’s loud. It’s sometimes wildly inconvenient. But it’s also beautiful, raw, and full of growth.

​

So keep modelling calm, holding space for the wild moments, and reminding them that all feelings are allowed — but not all behaviours are.

You’re not raising a quiet child. You’re raising an emotionally aware one.