Preschooler Growth & Developmental Milestones Pediatric Nursing NCLEX Review

This paragraph discusses the physical and emotional development of preschoolers, aged three to five. It highlights the transition from toddlerhood to preschoolhood, noting changes in physical appearance such as a more defined face, elongated limbs, and a less protruding belly. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding growth rates, with preschoolers gaining about five pounds and growing three inches per year on average. Additionally, it covers the development of gross and fine motor skills, which are crucial for school readiness. Gross motor skills involve large muscle groups and include activities like riding a tricycle and playing ball games, while fine motor skills involve smaller muscles and tasks like writing and using scissors. The paragraph also touches on the reduction of separation anxiety in preschoolers compared to toddlers, as they begin to tolerate separation better and understand that their parents will return.

This section delves into Erikson's and Piaget's theories as they relate to the developmental stage of preschoolers. According to Erikson, the goal for this stage is to foster a sense of purpose through opportunities for new experiences and decision-making, which helps develop a child's conscience and understanding of right and wrong. If these opportunities are lacking, preschoolers may experience guilt and struggle with independence. Piaget's theory places preschoolers in the pre-operational stage, where they are still egocentric but begin to develop an understanding of others' perspectives. The importance of imaginative and pretend play is emphasized, as it supports cognitive development. The paragraph also notes that preschoolers are literal thinkers and may interpret metaphors or inanimate objects as alive, which can lead to fears and anxieties. Interventions to support a preschooler's development include encouraging play, allowing them to make choices, and providing honest and simple explanations for medical procedures or hospitalizations.

This paragraph addresses common fears and anxieties among preschoolers, such as fear of hospitalization, procedures, and things that blur the line between fact and fiction due to their imaginative thinking. It also covers the fear of mutilation associated with invasive medical procedures. To help manage these fears, the video suggests interventions like medical play, using dolls to demonstrate procedures, and providing choices to the child. The importance of honesty, simplicity in explanations, and maintaining routines to reduce anxiety is emphasized. Additionally, the video touches on the child's fear of toys appearing alive and causing harm, and the need for reassurance and understanding from caregivers.

This segment discusses various safety measures and healthy eating habits for preschoolers. It highlights the importance of teaching children about dangers and precautions, such as gun safety, swimming lessons, helmet use for biking and skating, and stranger danger. The video also addresses the decrease in picky eating as children enter the preschool years, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the risk of choking with certain foods. As preschoolers become more social, the video explains the transition from parallel play to associative and cooperative play, which helps build social skills like sharing and following rules. Parents are advised to set clear behavior expectations and to be aware of potential regression during times of illness or change in routine.

The final paragraph focuses on the significant language development that occurs during the preschool years, with children experiencing a vocabulary explosion and the ability to construct more complex sentences. It notes that stammering or stuttering may occur due to the rapid development of language skills, but reassures that this is a normal part of the learning process. Parents are advised to be patient and supportive during this time, avoiding rushing or correcting the child too harshly. The paragraph also addresses the occurrence of nightmares in preschoolers, emphasizing the importance of parental reassurance and comfort to help the child return to sleep.