The Preschooler and

The Family

GROUP 3 - BSN - 2B
Content Outline
Topics for discussion

Defintion of Terms

Growth and Development of Preschooler- Biologic,

Developmental Milestone, Psychosocial, and Moral
Development

Coping concerns related to normal growth and

development

Promotion of health during preschooler

Prevention of Injury
Definition of Terms
A preschooler is a child who is typically between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. This stage of
development is often referred to as the early childhood stage or the preschool stage. During this
time, children experience significant growth and development in various areas, including
physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development.

Physically, preschoolers continue to grow in height and weight, and their motor skills become
more refined. They gain better control over their movements and coordination, allowing them to
engage in activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and drawing.

Cognitively, preschoolers show increased curiosity about the world around them. They start to
understand basic concepts such as numbers, shapes, colors, and letters. Their thinking becomes
more logical, and they begin to problem-solve and use their imagination in play.
Socially, preschoolers start to develop more complex social skills. They engage in parallel play,
where they play alongside other children but may not yet interact directly with them. They begin
to understand and follow basic social rules, share toys, take turns, and cooperate with peers.

Emotionally, preschoolers begin to develop a sense of self-identity and express their emotions
more clearly. They may experience a wide range of emotions and start to understand and label
them. They also begin to show empathy and concern for others.

In terms of language development, preschoolers experience significant growth in their vocabulary

and language skills. They can express themselves more clearly, engage in conversations, and
understand more complex language structures.
Growth and Development of the
Preschooler
 BIOLOGIC DEVELOPMENT

During the preschool years (ages 3-5), children continue to grow physically. They gain height
and weight, their motor skills improve, and their coordination becomes more refined.
 APPERANCE OF THE
AVERAGE PRESCHOOLER
• Vocabulary increases markedly
• Growth is only 2 to 3.5 inches a year
• No new teeth developed
• Tonsils appear enlarged
• Pulse rate decreases to about 86 beats/min
• Body contour changes to be more childlike than baby like
• Genu Valgus (Knock-Knees) may be evident
• Increase coordination
 DEVELOPMENTAL
MILESTONES
Preschoolers reach important milestones such as improved language skills, increased social
interaction, and the ability to follow simple instructions. They also start to develop a sense of
independence and autonomy.
 PSYCHOSOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
• This refers to the emotional and social aspects of a child's development. Preschoolers start to form
relationships with their peers, learn empathy, and develop a sense of self-identity. They may also begin
to show signs of independence and assertiveness.
• Erikson: Developing sense of initiative
o Feelings of guilty and fear result form thoughts that differ from expected behavior
o Development of superego (conscience)
o Learning right from wrong: moral development
 COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT

• During this development children learn by asking questions like “How come?” and “Why?” that is why
Piaget name this stage as Intuitive thought. Because he believed that children tend to be so certain of their
knowledge and understanding that they are unaware of how they gained this knowledge.
• Readiness for school and scholastic learning
• Preschoolers' thinking abilities and problem-solving skills continue to develop. They show an increased
curiosity about the world and start to understand concepts such as counting, colors, and shapes. Their
memory and attention span also improve.
 SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
• Preschoolers begin to engage in more complex social interactions. They learn how to share, take
turns, and cooperate with others. They also start to understand social rules and norms.
• Overcome stranger anxiety and fear of separation from the parents
• Still needs parental security and guidance
• Play therapy is beneficial for working through fears, anxieties, and fantasies
 MORAL
DEVELOPMENT

• During the preschool years, children start to develop a basic understanding of right and wrong. They
become more aware of rules and learn to follow them. They also start to develop a conscience and
show empathy towards others.
 EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Initiative
- the developmental task for preschool-aged child is to achieve a sense of initiative versus guilt.
- Children with well-developed sense of initiative like to explore things because they have discovered
that learning new things is fun.
- If children are criticized or punished for attempts at initiative they can develop a sense of guilty to try
new things.
 EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Imitation
- Imitating actions of the people around them peaks during preschool age.
- If a child is pretending to be a police officer or firefighter it is the best that a parent or a caregiver will
explain where they police or firefighters work and what are their jobs.
 EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Oedipus and Electra Complexes

- The Oedipus Complex refers to the attachment of a male child to a female parent.
- The Electra Complex refers to the attachment of a female child to a male parent.
 LANGUAGE
DEVELOPMENT

• The extent of a 3 year-old child’s vocabulary varies depending on how much the child has been
encouraged to ask questions or participate in conversations.
• Egocentrism: or perceiving that one’s thoughts and needs are better or more important that those of
others, is strong during preschool period.
Coping Concerns Related to Normal
Growth and Development
During the preschool years, children undergo rapid physical, cognitive,
and socio-emotional development. While this is a critical stage for growth
and learning, certain coping concerns may arise. These include:
 SEPARATION
ANXIETY
Preschoolers may experience distress when separated from their
caregivers, making the transition to school or daycare challenging.
Providing a supportive environment and establishing consistent routines
can help alleviate separation anxiety.
 SOCIAL INTERACTION
CHALLENGES
Developing social skills and navigating peer interactions can be
overwhelming for some preschoolers. Encouraging cooperative play,
facilitating group activities, and teaching conflict resolution strategies can
aid in the development of healthy social behaviors.
 EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Managing emotions such as frustration, anger, and disappointment can be

difficult for preschoolers. Teaching coping strategies like deep breathing,
positive self-talk, and problem-solving techniques can promote emotional
regulation and resilience.
 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
CONCERNS
Speech and language development variations can lead to frustration or
communication difficulties. Encouraging language-rich environments,
engaging in storytelling, and providing opportunities for language
expression can support speech and language development.
 COGNITIVE CHALLENGES

Cognitive growth can lead to frustration when children encounter tasks

that are beyond their current abilities. Providing developmentally
appropriate activities, offering guidance and support, and fostering a
positive learning environment can help preschoolers overcome cognitive
challenges.
 EXPLORATION AND RISK
TAKING
Preschoolers' natural curiosity and inclination toward exploration can
sometimes lead to risky behavior. Creating a safe and stimulating
environment for exploration, while maintaining appropriate supervision,
can help manage concerns related to exploration and risk-taking.
Promotion of Health during Preschooler
 NUTRITION

Provide a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins,

and whole grains. Limit sugary snacks and beverages. Encourage healthy
eating habits by setting a good example and involving children in meal
preparation.
 LIMIT SCREEN TIME

Set limits on screen time, including television and digital devices. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one hour of
high-quality programming per day for preschoolers.
 REGULAR CHECK-UPS

Schedule regular well-child visits with a pediatrician. These visits allow

for monitoring of growth and development and offer an opportunity to
discuss any concerns or questions.
 POSITIVE ROLE MODELING

Children often model their behavior after adults, so be a positive role

model for healthy habits. Show them how to make healthy food choices,
exercise, and manage stress.
 ENCOURAGE PLAY AND
EXPLORATION
Preschoolers learn through play and exploration. Provide them with
opportunities to engage in imaginative play, creative activities, and hands-
on learning experiences.
 MANAGE STRESS

Create a supportive and stress-free environment. Preschoolers can feel

stress, so be attuned to their needs and provide comfort and reassurance.
Prevention of Injury
 SUPERVISION AND CAREFUL
OBSERVATION
Providing close supervision during playtime and other activities is
essential to ensure that children are safe and protected from potential
hazards or accidents.
 CHILDPROOFIND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Installing safety gates, securing cabinets and drawers, covering electrical
outlets, and securing furniture and appliances can help create a child-
friendly and safe living environment.
 SAFEPLAY AREAS

Designating safe play areas both indoors and outdoors with age-
appropriate equipment and soft surfaces such as rubber mats or grass can
minimize the risk of injuries during playtime.
 HEALTHY NUTRITION AND
HYGIENE PRACTICES

Encouraging a nutritious diet, promoting proper handwashing techniques,

and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment can contribute to
overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of illnesses and infections.
Meet the Team
DATUMANONG
DIGANDANG

EBO

GALLO

HARON

ISMAEL