Welcome to the NESTLÉ® NANKID® Growing Kid Academy
The essential parenting guide to your Growing Kid, their Growing Body and Growing Mind.
Your 3–5-year-old is growing fast and rapidly discovering the world in amazing new ways and the NESTLÉ® NANKID® Growing Kid Academy is here to help you navigate the happy chaos that comes with it.
Our aim is to provide a supportive community and equip parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to help children thrive.
Your child’s development is a journey
As your child grows, they’ll pass through key milestones that involve physical, social, emotional, cognitive and communication skills. Here’s an overview of what you can expect as their development unfolds between ages 3-5.
Remember that while children develop in predictable ways, each child is different and will develop in their own time.
Growth & physical development
Your 3-year-old is exploring the world around them and learning new skills in physical ways as their large muscle movements (gross motor skills) are picking up pace and helping them run, jump and balance better.
Your 4-year-old’s fine and gross motor skills are maturing and they’re becoming stronger and more agile. They’ll be eager to show off their new skills as they expertly climb, jump and run faster, further and higher.
At age 5, your child is growing rapidly in weight and height. Stronger muscles and better coordination mean they’ll be developing more complex skills to help them write and use other simple tools.
Learning & communication development
Your 3-year old’s speaking abilities are picking up steam and you can expect lots of ‘why’ questions. They’re also become more self-aware and understanding more about who they are, including their age, name and gender.
At age 4 your child’s cognitive skills are developing quickly as they’re able to recognise and identify shapes, colours, numbers and more. They’re becoming masters of imaginary play, and you’ll probably start having more interesting conversations with your little chatterbox.
It’s an exciting time for your 5-year-old as their vocabulary is expanding, they’re speaking more clearly and intently, and have a longer attention span. These language skills are improving their conversational abilities and how they retain information.
Social & emotional development
As your 3-year-old becomes more independent, learning how to play with others, take turns and becoming increasingly imaginative. But they’re still learning how to verbalise those big emotions, so unfortunately you won’t be rid of those tantrums and meltdowns just yet.
Your 4-year-old is inquisitive and a sponge for new information. They’re starting to grasp time and understanding what is happening in the world around them and much more aware of their emotions. Your kiddo is also starting to flex their creative muscles.
At age 5, your child’s ability to engage and empathise is expanding. They’re taking direction, have a better understanding of right and wrong, and are making more friends. However, while they’re getting better at understanding social rules and others’ feelings, they’re not over testing the limits quite yet.
Popular topics
Featured articles with all the info you need about your Growing Kid, their Growing Body and Growing Mind.
Tips for keeping your preschooler healthy after COVID-19
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARSCoV-2)1 did shake
3 mins to read
The Power of play based learning: why learning through play is important
Children understand the world around them through play – with every new experience, they learn something new and as the experiences stack, so do their skills and abilities.
2 mins to read
Strong body, strong mind: why exercise is vital for early childhood development
Toddlers and children need plenty of physical activity to develop in a range of ways. Not only does it strengthen their muscles and bones, but it also gives their brain a workout too.
3 mins to read
Children and sleep: sweet dreams, strong immunity at bedtime
Getting enough quality sleep is essential to your child’s mental and physical health, not to mention that it makes your life as a parent easier when the kids are sleeping better.
3 mins to read
10 tips to support your 3-5-year-old kid’s immunity
Navigating colds, flu and sickness as a parent can feel like an everlasting challenge.
3 mins to read
Breathe, relax, repeat: mindfulness for mini-minds
Mindfulness is the simple action of becoming fully aware of what’s happening in the present moment.
2 mins to read
Activities
Downloadable tools, resources and fun ideas for different ages to educate and entertain.
Smart steps to protect against colds and flu
Navigating colds, flu and sickness as a parent can feel like an everlasting challenge.
3 mins to read
Got any questions?
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What makes the NESTLÉ® NANKID®
Growing Kid Academy a trusted ally?
Inclusive, honest and uplifting content that empowers and supports at every stage and age.
Up-do-date, practical information for the South African parent and caregiver.
Guilt-free and encouraging guidance, because parenting is tough enough without being preached to.
