Preschooler Growth & Developmental Milestones Pediatric Nursing NCLEX Review

Summary

This video covers key aspects of preschooler development between the ages of 3 and 5. It highlights milestones in behavior, language, and emotional growth. Preschoolers start reducing negativism and ritualism while experiencing an explosion in language skills, such as forming five-word sentences and using conjunctions. Nightmares may occur, requiring reassurance and comfort. The video also stresses the importance of supporting speech development and patience with stammering. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child's behavior and language, offering guidance while fostering independence and confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Preschoolers typically experience physical changes like a more defined face, longer limbs, and a reduction in belly size as they grow.
• 😀 By the age of 5, preschoolers generally reach an average height of 44 inches and weigh around 42 pounds.
• 😀 Gross motor skills improve significantly, including activities like riding a tricycle, hopping, skipping, and playing with a ball.
• 😀 Fine motor skills also develop, enabling preschoolers to write, button their shirts, and use scissors with greater precision.
• 😀 Preschoolers may experience separation anxiety, which is more intense in younger children but lessens as they approach age 5.
• 😀 Magical thinking is prevalent in preschoolers, where they may have irrational fears or worries about situations like kidnappings.
• 😀 According to Erikson, preschoolers are in the 'initiative vs. guilt' stage, where they gain a sense of purpose and independence.
• 😀 Piaget's theory suggests preschoolers are in the 'preoperational stage,' characterized by egocentric thinking and an affinity for imaginative play.
• 😀 Preschoolers can develop real fears such as fears of hospitalization or body harm, which may be linked to their limited understanding of the world.
• 😀 As preschoolers experience a language explosion, they learn new words rapidly, reaching a vocabulary of 2,400 words by age 5.
• 😀 It is normal for preschoolers to stammer or stutter during this period due to the rapid development of their speech and vocabulary.
• 😀 Parents should be patient and avoid criticizing a child's speech struggles, as stammering usually resolves on its own with time and practice.

Q & A

What are some key physical milestones for a preschooler between the ages of 3 and 5?

Preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 experience significant growth, gaining muscle mass and strength. They develop better coordination, allowing them to engage in activities like hopping on one foot, catching a ball, and performing tasks like zipping up a jacket.

How does a preschooler's gross motor skill development change by the age of 5?

By age 5, preschoolers can demonstrate increased agility and strength, such as riding a bike with training wheels, jumping rope, and performing more coordinated activities like somersaults.

Why do preschoolers start becoming more independent at this age?

Preschoolers become more independent because they develop better motor control and are eager to perform tasks for themselves, such as dressing, feeding, and toileting. This independence is also influenced by cognitive development.

What are some emotional changes that occur as preschoolers approach the age of 5?

Preschoolers at this age begin to understand their own emotions and develop empathy for others. They also start showing an increased ability to manage feelings like anger and frustration through coping mechanisms such as talking about their emotions.

How can parents help preschoolers cope with negative behaviors such as tantrums or defiance?

Parents can help by offering positive reinforcement for good behavior, setting clear expectations, and using gentle discipline. It's important for parents to model appropriate behavior and respond calmly to tantrums or defiance.

What does 'ritualism' in preschoolers refer to, and why is it significant?

'Ritualism' refers to preschoolers' need for routine and consistency. This behavior helps them feel secure and understand their environment. Over time, as they develop, they begin to embrace more flexibility in their routines.

What should parents do if their preschooler experiences nightmares?

If a preschooler experiences nightmares, parents should reassure the child, listen to their concerns, and explain what happened in the nightmare. Parents can then help the child return to sleep in their own bed and offer comfort.

How does a preschooler's language development change between the ages of 3 and 5?

Between ages 3 and 5, preschoolers experience a language explosion, significantly expanding their vocabulary. By age 5, they can speak around 2,400 words and use complex, descriptive sentences, including conjunctions like 'and,' 'or,' 'but,' and 'because.'

What is a common speech development issue that may occur during the preschool years?

Stuttering or stammering is common during the preschool years due to rapid language development. Children may have difficulty articulating their thoughts as their vocabulary grows, but this is typically normal and may resolve over time.

How should parents respond if their preschooler shows signs of stuttering or stammering?

Parents should be patient and not rush or finish their child's sentences. It's important to avoid making fun of or scolding the child, as this could cause anxiety around speaking. If the issue persists, parents should consider seeking early intervention to address potential speech problems.