Pediatrics

Neonate

Developmental age group for infants aged 0-28 days.

Infancy

Developmental age group for children aged 0-1 year.

Toddlerhood

Developmental age group for children aged 1-3 years.

Preschool Age

Developmental age group for children aged 3-6 years.

School Age (Middle Childhood)

Developmental age group for children aged 6-12 years.

Adolescence

Developmental age group for individuals aged 12-18 years.

Freud’s Psychosexual Theory

A theory proposing that early childhood experiences influence adult behavior.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development

A psychosocial theory addressing eight developmental stages from infancy to adulthood.

Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

A theory that describes the stages of cognitive development in children.

Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory

A theory proposing stages of moral reasoning in children.

Oral Stage (Freud)

The stage where infants derive pleasure from oral stimulation. This stage occurs from birth to 12 months. As the nurse, offer a pacifier for baby if not contraindicated.

Trust vs. Mistrust (Erikson)

The first stage of psychosocial development where infants learn trust through consistent caregiving. Occurs from birth to 12 months. As the nurse, meet the baby’s need for food and hygiene.

Sensorimotor Stage (Piaget)

A stage of cognitive development where infants learn through sensory experiences and manipulation. Occurs from birth to 12 months. As the nurse, use toys to distract the baby during procedures.

Anal Stage (Freud)

The stage where toddlers learn control over bowel and bladder movements. Occurs at ages 1-3. As the nurse, continue child’s normal patterns of elimination.

Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (Erikson)

The stage where toddlers develop a sense of personal control and independence. Occurs at ages 1-3. As the nurse, encourage child to performs tasks such as brushing teeth on their own.

Sensorimotor Stage End and Preoperational Stage Beginning (Piaget)

The child shows increasing curiosity and explorative behavior. Language skills improve. Occurs at ages 1-3. As the nurse, ensure safe surroundings and give simple explanation (ex. this shot kills the bad germs).

Latency Stage (Freud)

A stage where children focus on privacy and understanding the body. Ages 6-12. As the nurse, knock before entering and explain treatments and procedures.

Industry vs. Inferiority (Erikson)

The stage where children gain self-worth from involvement in activities. Ages 6-12. As the nurse, encourage the child to do schoolwork while hospitalized.

Magical Thinking

A child's belief that their thoughts or actions can influence the outcomes of events.

Phallic Stage (Freud)

The stage where children become aware of their bodies and the bodies of others, initially identifying with opposite sex parent then same sex; occurs from ages 3-6. As the nurse, accommodate children who have preference for male or female nurses.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Erikson)

The stage where children assert control and power over their environment; occurs from ages 3-6. As the nurse, encourage child-led play and exploration.

Preoperational Stage (Piaget)

The stage where children begin to engage in symbolic play and learn to use language and causality is often confused, so the child may feel responsible for causing an illness (magic thinking); occurs from ages 3-6. As the nurse, offer explanations about all procedures and treatments

Formal Operational Stage (Piaget)

The adolescent is capable of mature, abstract thought. Occurs during ages 12-18. As the nurse, give clear and complete information about health care and treatments.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (Erikson)

The stage where adolescents explore personal identity and sense of self, leading to strong personal values and directions. Occurs from ages 12-18. As the nurse, take health history and perform examinations without parents present.

Genital Stage (Freud)

The stage where individuals focus on mature sexual intimacy and develop relationships. Occurs ages 12-18 in adolescents. As the nurse, provide information on sexuality.

Concrete Operational Stage (Piaget)

The stage where children begin to think logically about concrete events and master the concept of conservation where volume doesn’t change despite different shape of container; occurs between ages 6-12. As the nurse, show the child equipment used in treatment.

Parallel Play

Play where children play next to each other but do not interact; typical for ages 2-3 years.

Constructive Play

Play involving the manipulation of objects to create or build, beginning at around 2 years old.

Associative Play

Play where children begin to interact with each other while engaged in similar activities; common from ages 3-4 years.

Dramatic (Pretend) Play

Play involving imagination and role-playing; begins around 3 years old.

Cooperative Play

Play where children work together to achieve a common goal; typically starts at age 4 and older.

Games With Rules

Play involving structured games with set rules; begins around 5 years and older.

Mimics other children’s actions without collaboration or interaction.

Parallel Play (2-3 years)

Helps with problem-solving and fine motor skills. (Ex. Building blocks or puzzles).

Constructive Play (2 years and older)