Preschool Child Development: Growth, Communication, Play & Safety

What is the age range for preschool children?

Three to five years old.

How does the growth rate of preschool children compare to previous age groups?

Their growth is steady but not as quick as in earlier age groups.

What happens to a child's weight from age one to five?

A child's weight will double by the time they are five years old.

What developmental milestone regarding muscle control is observed in preschool children?

They are controlling more of their muscles.

What is a common hand preference observed in preschool children?

By age 3, children typically show a hand preference, either right or left, and may be ambidextrous depending on the activity.

What emotional development occurs in preschool children regarding separation?

They start to accept separation from their parents.

What cognitive skills increase in preschool children?

There is increased communication, memory, and attention span.

What stage of Erikson's psychosocial development do preschoolers fall into?

Initiative versus guilt.

What is a key characteristic of the initiative versus guilt stage in preschoolers?

They begin to develop a conscience and engage in imagination and exploration.

What is magical thinking in preschool children?

It is the belief that their thoughts and feelings can influence the world around them.

How can magical thinking lead to feelings of guilt in preschoolers?

Children may feel guilty if they think their negative thoughts caused harm to others.

What is the age range for Piaget's preconceptual stage of cognitive development?

Two to four years.

What are some characteristics of the preconceptual stage according to Piaget?

Increased language development, symbolic functioning, egocentrism, animism, and artificialism.

What is egocentrism in preschool children?

It is the tendency for children to focus on themselves and their own perspective.

What does animism refer to in preschool children's thinking?

Giving human characteristics to inanimate objects.

What is artificialism in the context of preschool cognitive development?

The belief that humans control everything in nature.

What is the next stage of Piaget's cognitive development after the preconceptual stage?

Intuitive thought, which occurs from ages five to seven.

What characterizes intuitive thought in preschoolers?

It involves pre-logical thinking where reasoning is based on appearances.

Why is it important to understand Piaget's and Erikson's theories for the NCLEX exam?

The NCLEX frequently tests knowledge of developmental stages and theories.

What is a common behavior of preschool children regarding their toys, according to animism?

They may express concern that their toys will feel lonely if left behind.

What is an example of a preschool child's magical thinking?

A child believing that their thoughts can cause the weather to change.

What is centering in preschool development?

Centering is when a child concentrates on a single outstanding characteristic of an object while excluding all other features.

What is the average vocabulary size of a preschooler?

A preschooler can say about 2000 words and uses them frequently.

What are common causes of speech delays in preschoolers?

Speech delays can be caused by physiological issues like being tongue-tied, stuttering, or hearing loss, as well as psychological factors and environmental stressors.

What does speech and language development include?

It includes both understanding language and expressing oneself in language.

What indicates an articulation disorder in a preschooler?

If a parent states that they are the only one who understands what their child says.

What is an expressive language delay?

An expressive language delay is indicated when a child will follow commands but points when they want something.

What is a global language delay?

A global language delay is when a child can only say a few words, like 'Mama', and cannot follow simple commands.

What is a language disorder in preschoolers?

A language disorder is when a child used to make sounds like 'Mama' and 'Dada' but now only repeats what others say.

What does language loss refer to in preschoolers?

Language loss occurs when a child used to say phrases like 'Joey go bye bye' but has stopped talking altogether.

What is the recommended time-out duration for preschoolers?

One minute per year of age.

What is important for encouraging positive behavior in preschoolers?

Consistency and modeling appropriate behavior are essential.

What is the daily care requirement for preschoolers?

They need to bathe each day and shampoo at least twice a week.

What type of clothing is recommended for preschoolers?

Loose clothing is important to prevent restriction of movement.

What is the significance of sturdy shoes for preschoolers?

Sturdy, supportive shoes are important as preschoolers are very active.

What can thumb sucking indicate in preschoolers?

Thumb sucking can be an instinctual behavior pattern.

What should be done to help a preschooler stop thumb sucking?

Praise and encouragement are important, but regression may occur during stress or fatigue.

What type of play is common among preschoolers?

Play is typically cooperative, involving the exchange of ideas and socialization.

What should a parent do if they notice their child has an articulation disorder?

The parent should seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist.

What is the role of limits in preschool behavior?

Limits help children develop self-discipline and self-control.

Why is it important for caregivers to model behavior?

Caregivers should model appropriate behavior to encourage similar actions in preschoolers.

What is a common misconception about preschoolers' speech?

It is a misconception that all adults can easily understand what preschoolers say.

What is a common form of play among preschoolers that involves role-playing different characters?

Imaginary play, where children can experience multiple roles such as mom, dad, or baby.

How does magical thinking influence communication with preschoolers?

It is the best approach to communicate with them, especially during forensic interviews.

What role do imaginary playmates serve for preschoolers?

They can relieve loneliness, help with mastery of skills, and serve as scapegoats.

What is a common behavior that preschoolers may exhibit related to sexual curiosity?

They may engage in sexual investigation, which is considered normal at this age.

Why is it important for parents to provide honest and accurate information about sexual curiosity?

To prevent children from seeking information elsewhere, like friends or the Internet.

What should parents use when discussing anatomy with children?

Correct terminology, as it is important for abuse investigations and accuracy.

What is a common dietary trend among preschoolers?

Fad foods, such as McDonald's, are very common due to convenience for parents.

What is a key aspect of feeding preschoolers that parents should remember?

Eating is a social time, and it is important to provide quality, small, nutritious meals.

How should parents respond to children's questions about anatomy and sexual curiosity?

Provide sex education at the time the child asks questions and avoid delaying the conversation.

What can happen if parents act uncomfortable when children ask questions about sexual curiosity?

The child may feel uncomfortable as well, as they are simply inquiring like they would about any other topic.

What is a harmless behavior that may be displayed by preschoolers regarding sexual curiosity?

Exploring anatomical differences and asking questions about them.

How should parents approach the topic of sexual curiosity with their children?

They should assess the child's knowledge base and provide accurate information.

What did a child named Lincoln ask a woman with short hair in a store?

He asked if she was a guy or a girl, demonstrating curiosity about gender.

What was the woman's response to Lincoln's question about her gender?

She explained that she was a girl despite having short hair.

What is a common misconception parents might have about terms like 'penis' and 'vagina'?

They may think these terms are bad words, but they are not.

What is the significance of imitation in preschoolers' behavior?

It is a key aspect of their development, as they enjoy pretending to be adults.

What is the importance of providing healthy meals to preschoolers?

Parents need to model healthy eating habits to encourage nutritious choices.

What is a typical response of preschoolers when they break something?

They may blame it on their imaginary friend, using them as a scapegoat.

What should parents avoid doing regarding their child's imaginary friends?

They should not acknowledge or dismiss the existence of imaginary friends.

How can parents ensure they are setting a good example for their children's eating habits?

By practicing what they preach and consuming healthy meals and snacks.

What is a common reaction of preschoolers when they see anatomical differences?

They may express curiosity and ask questions about those differences.

What is a humorous example of a child's innocent misunderstanding regarding anatomy?

Lincoln's comment about a woman's anatomy based on her short hair.

What type of questions do three-year-olds typically ask?

They ask sexual questions that come from a pure desire to understand the world.

How do three-year-olds typically play with others?

They play in loosely associated groups and may show a preference for the parent of the opposite gender.

What is a common behavior of three-year-olds when it comes to possessions?

They become very angry when someone tries to take their possessions and do not like to share.

What emotional traits are common in three-year-olds?

They are sensitive, have their feelings hurt easily, and fear bodily harm.

How do four-year-olds exhibit aggression?

They tend to be more aggressive, eager to show superiority, and may pick on playmates.

What developmental milestones do four-year-olds achieve?

They can use scissors, tie their shoes, and begin to prefer playing with friends of the same gender.

What is the four-year-old's understanding of death?

They begin to wonder about death but do not relate it to themselves; they need reassurance from parents.

What characteristics define five-year-olds in terms of responsibility?

They are more responsible, inquisitive, and enjoy having little jobs to do.

How do five-year-olds' social interactions change?

They are less fearful of their environment and begin to talk to strangers.

What safety concerns are prevalent for preschoolers aged three to five?

Accidents and trauma are significant threats, including burns, poisoning, and stranger safety.

What are the car safety requirements for children under four years old?

They need to ride in a federally approved car seat appropriate for their size.

What are the car safety requirements for children aged four to seven?

They must ride in an appropriate child seat or booster seat if they weigh more than 40 lbs but less than 80 lbs or are not at least 4 foot 9 inches.

What is an important step in maintaining a safe school environment for preschoolers?

Regularly checking and maintaining toys for safety.

What do four-year-olds enjoy in terms of play?

They enjoy games that are played by rules and like to tattle on others.

How do four-year-olds' physical activities change?

They no longer run just for fun but run to reach a destination or see something interesting.

What emotional development occurs in five-year-olds?

They have more patience, want to finish tasks, and their worries become less profound.

What is a common behavior of preschoolers when disturbed during play?

They resent being disturbed and may exhibit violent behavior.

What is the significance of imaginative play in three-year-olds?

It involves magical thinking and is a key aspect of their development.

What should parents do regarding their child's questions about death?

Parents should encourage questions and help the child accept the truth about death without fear.

What is a notable change in five-year-olds regarding their environment?

They become less fearful and more engaged with their surroundings.

How do preschoolers' motor skills develop?

They are developing skills such as hammering and other fine motor tasks.

What social behavior do four-year-olds exhibit towards their peers?

They may pick on playmates and are interested in relationships.

What is the age range defined as toddlerhood?

One to three years.

How does the growth rate of toddlers compare to infants?

Growth is slower than infants but still steady.

What is physiological anorexia in toddlers related to?

It is related to walking and increased activity.

By what age should a toddler's birth weight quadruple?

By 2 1/2 years.

What developmental milestone is achieved in toddlers by 2 to 3 years?

Bowel and bladder control.

What changes occur in a toddler's vital signs as they age?

Respirations shift from mainly abdominal to thoracic.

What is the significance of the shivering response in toddlers?

It matures, allowing better thermoregulation compared to infants.

When is the eruption of deciduous teeth typically complete?

By 2 1/2 years.

What stage of Erikson's psychosocial development do toddlers experience?

Autonomy versus shame and doubt.

What does autonomy in toddlers refer to?

The ability to accomplish tasks independently.

What is negativism in toddlers?

A phase where 'no' becomes their favorite word, expressing their independence.

How can caregivers effectively manage a toddler's negativism?

By offering simple choices between two items.

What are common behavioral expressions of autonomy in toddlers?

Temper tantrums, known as the 'terrible twos' and 'three majors'.

Why do toddlers prefer routine and ritualism?

It provides a consistent sense of control.