Perry Maternal Child Nursing Care 7th Edition Chapter 33: Preschooler and Family Key Points

Sleep Problems and Prevention

• Establishing a bedtime routine, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can help prevent and treat common sleep problems and night wakings in young children.

Factors Influencing Aggressive Behavior

• Physical punishment tends to increase aggressive behavior in preschoolers.
• Modeling aggressive behavior also increases aggressive behavior in preschoolers.

Risk Factors for Child Abuse

• Physical punishment may predispose children to physical abuse.

Psychosocial Development

• The chief psychosocial task of the preschooler, according to Erikson, is to develop initiative versus guilt.

Sexual Abuse

• One common form of sexual abuse mentioned in the text is fondling.

Cognitive Development

• In Piaget's theory, preoperational thinking characterizes the preschool age.
• The development of the superego in preschoolers begins when they start to internalize moral standards and values.

Preventing Child Maltreatment

• A recommended approach for preventing child maltreatment is to educate parents about child development and provide them with parenting skills and support.

Moral Development

• In Kohlberg's theory, children move from a punishment and obedience orientation to a more conventional moral understanding around age 5-6.

Spiritual Development

• Young children's understanding of spirituality is characterized by a focus on rote rituals and practices.

Language and Social Development

• The preschool age is marked by further separation-individuation and more sophisticated language development.
• Preschoolers typically enjoy associative play around age 3-4.
• Imaginary companions typically develop around age 3-4.
• Imaginary companions serve the purpose of providing a sense of comfort and companionship.

Parenting Concerns and Early Learning

• Parents should consider factors such as the program's philosophy, teacher qualifications, and opportunities for parent involvement when selecting an early learning program.
• Parents should answer questions about sensitive issues honestly and openly, while also taking into account their child's level of understanding and emotional readiness.
• Two rules that govern how parents should answer questions about sensitive issues are to be honest and to be aware of their child's emotional readiness.