Chapter 18: The Preschool Child: Growth, Development & Care

The Preschool Child: Growth, Development & Care video provides a comprehensive review of the growth and development of the preschool child, spanning ages three to five years, as outlined in pediatric nursing curriculums. We explore the distinct physical slowing of growth compared to infancy, which is accompanied by significant refinements in gross and fine motor skills that enable independence in daily tasks like dressing and eating. The discussion delves deeply into cognitive development through Jean Piaget's preoperational phase, explaining key concepts such as symbolic functioning, egocentrism, artificialism, and animism, where children attribute life to inanimate objects. Psychosocial maturation is examined through Erik Erikson's developmental stage of initiative versus guilt, highlighting how preschoolers develop a conscience and navigate social expectations. We analyze the critical progression of language skills, noting how vocabulary expands from simple sentences to complex expression, and the shift in play patterns from parallel and associative activities to cooperative group play. Significant attention is given to anticipatory guidance for parents regarding common behavioral concerns, including the management of sexual curiosity and masturbation, handling sibling jealousy, and addressing habits like thumb sucking and enuresis (bed wetting). The summary also outlines effective discipline strategies, advocating for consistency, modeling, and time-outs over corporal punishment. Furthermore, we cover essential safety measures for accident prevention, specifically regarding falls, burns, poisoning, and stranger danger. Finally, the video addresses the preschooler’s unique, often reversible concept of death and their specific fears of bodily mutilation during hospitalization, emphasizing the role of therapeutic play in clinical settings to reduce stress and facilitate coping.