Play in Preschoolers 🤸‍♀

The Importance of Play

Play is a universal activity that has been observed in children across cultures and time. It is the most productive and enjoyable activity for kids, allowing them to learn and practice physical, cognitive, and social skills.

Types of Play

Development of Social Skills

As children progress through the preschool stage, they develop social skills through play. By the end of this stage, they should be able to engage in cooperative play, making up activities together and following rules.

The Role of Peers in Play

Peers provide an audience, role models, competition, and social information that is essential for developing social skills. Playing with peers helps children learn empathy, negotiation, and emotional regulation.

The History of Play

In the past, families had more children, and play was often informal and unstructured. Children played with siblings and neighborhood children of different ages, with older kids watching out for younger ones.

Forms of Play in Preschoolers

Rough and Tumble Play 🤼‍♂

This type of play is common in preschoolers and helps develop social understanding and lunatic system development. However, it can also increase the risk of injury.

Social Dramatic Play 🎭

This type of play helps children explore and understand social roles and develop their ability to explain and negotiate.

The Impact of Lack of Social Play

Research has shown that a lack of social play in preschoolers can lead to unhappiness, less learning, and fewer social skills. This is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many children have had limited opportunities for social play.## Screen Time and Child Development 📱

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time can have negative effects on a child's development, including:

• Reduced social skills

• Decreased imagination

• Less time spent outdoors

• Negative impact on emotional regulation and self-control

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• No more than 1 hour of screen time per day for preschoolers

• Supervised screen time to ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content

Changes in Screen Time Habits

The Effects of Screen Time on Children's Behavior

• 70% of parents admit to using devices to calm their children down

• Children who use devices to calm down may not learn to regulate their emotions themselves

• Excessive screen time is associated with behavioral problems in children

Interactive Media and Learning

• Interactive media, such as educational apps, can be beneficial for children's learning

• Apps can teach more than just letters and numbers, including physics and problem-solving skills

• Parental involvement is key to making interactive media educational

The Importance of Moderation

• Parental discretion is advised when it comes to screen time

• Children who have limits set on their screen time and engage in other activities, such as playdates and outdoor play, can benefit from moderate screen time

Definitions

Key Takeaways

• Excessive screen time can have negative effects on children's development

• Interactive media can be beneficial for learning when used in moderation

• Parental involvement and discretion are key to ensuring healthy screen time habits## Parenting Styles 📚

Parenting styles vary within nations, ethnic groups, neighborhoods, and even within families. Research by Von Ryan identified four important dimensions that distinguish parenting styles:

• Expressions of Warmth: The level of affection or criticism shown by parents towards their children.

• Strategies for Discipline: The methods used by parents to discipline their children, such as explaining, criticizing, persuading, ignoring, or punishing.

• Communication: The way parents communicate with their children, either one-way or two-way.

• Expectations for Maturity: The standards parents set for their children's responsibility and self-control.

Parenting Style Categories

Authoritarian Parenting

• Characteristics:

  • High expectations

  • Strict punishment

  • Low communication

  • One-way communication

• Long-term outcomes:

  • Children tend to be obedient, conscientious, and quiet, but often unhappy

  • Adolescents may rebel and leave home at an earlier age

  • Adults may be quicker to blame and punish others

Permissive Parenting

• Characteristics:

  • High nurturing

  • Low discipline

  • Two-way communication

  • Few rules or limits

• Long-term outcomes:

  • Children may lack self-control and emotional regulation

  • Peers may view them as spoiled or entitled

  • Adults may be unhappy and financially and emotionally dependent on their parents

Authoritative Parenting

• Characteristics:

  • Balanced approach

  • Reasonable expectations

  • Discipline

  • Two-way communication

• Long-term outcomes:

  • Children tend to be successful, articulate, and popular

  • They are well-liked by teachers and peers

Uninvolved/Disengaged Parenting

• Characteristics:

  • Few rules or limits

  • Low communication

  • Low warmth

  • Neglectful

• Long-term outcomes:

  • Children may take care of themselves and younger siblings

  • Children may lack emotional support and guidance## Parenting Styles and Discipline 🤝

Parenting Styles and Long-Term Outcomes

Research has shown that children with involved and engaged parents tend to have the best long-term outcomes. On the other hand, children with uninvolved and disengaged parents are at risk of:

• Being sad and lonely

• Being at risk of injury or abuse, both as children and as adults

• Lacking maturity or becoming overly mature

• Being at greater risk for substance abuse issues

• Moving away from home earlier

Discipline Methods 🚫

Punishment Rates

Punishment rates increase dramatically from infancy to early childhood. Most parents use multiple methods of discipline, and may use different methods on siblings due to expectations and personality differences.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is often based on personal experiences and cultural norms. Research has shown that it is ineffective in the long term, although it may work well with younger children. However, as children get older, corporal punishment can lead to:

• Greater tendency to become disobedient and rebel

• Issues with self-control

• Increased risk of substance abuse

Prevalence of Corporal Punishment

Laws and Regulations

• In 53 nations, including all of Northern Europe, corporal punishment of any sort is illegal.

• In 100 nations, corporal punishment is illegal in schools.

• In the US, 22 states still allow corporal punishment in schools.

Other Types of Disciplinary Techniques

Psychological Control

Time Out

• Time out is used to separate the child from others in activities for a period of time.

• It only works if done correctly, with a designated spot that is boring and uninteresting.

• Guidelines suggest one minute of time out for every year of age.

Induction or Reasoning

• This method is effective with older children, but not with younger children.

Taking Away Privileges

• Taking away toys or privileges can be an effective method of discipline.

• As children get older, this can include taking away privileges such as watching TV, using the phone, or driving.