The period between 2 and 6 years of age is pivotal in the psychosocial development of children. Children in this age range are in the midst of discovering themselves, their feelings, how they identify themselves and how they spend their time. The emotional and social aspects of preschool children are influenced by their internal feelings as well as their external environment. These aspects will help shape how they relate to their surroundings.
Initiative Versus Guilt
According to Erik Erikson, the proponent of psychosocial development theory, 2- to 6-year-olds experience conflicting feelings about their self. The cause of the conflict is from the growing sense of purpose. Preschoolers start to learn how to do basic things and they want to explore and perform new activities. Moreover, the things they do should be parallel to what society dictates and approves. As these children explore their environment, they are conflicted with a desire to abide by the rules of adults.
Gender Differences
Children in this age group develop their sense of gender identity. This is the awareness if one is a male or female. One of the earliest gender behavioral differences is the choice of toys, play activities and playmate. Boys tend to play more roughly and physically. On the other hand, girls prefer less aggressive and dominant games. Furthermore, boys are inclined to get into trouble more and throw tantrums, while girls are more empathic and sociable.
Play
Play stimulates children to use their senses and muscles, coordinate their movement and balance and acquire new abilities. Preschoolers engage in constructive and pretend play. Constructive play involves the use of objects to make something, such as colorful blocks or crayons for drawing. This is usually done in day-care centers and schools. Conversely, pretend play involves imaginary characters. A boy may imagine himself as Superman and act out what the superhero does. These types of play encourage creativity and learning.
Aggression and Fears
Preschoolers develop altruism, aggression and fears. They share belongings to other children and offer comfort. Also, children struggle over toys and control of space which results in anger towards other children and adults. It is common during the early years but declines as children learn self-control, become more cooperative and less egocentric. Fears are also common during this time. It stems from the child's intense imagination and fantasy world. To cope up with these fears, parents should instill trust and persuade the child to express feelings.
Relationships
Preschoolers develop friendships and interactions with other children and their sibilings. They generally play with children of their own age and sex. They treat their friends with positive regard as they learn that cooperation and generosity are important to making friends. Through this process, children learn moral values and in turn they begin to carry out adult roles.
References
- "Human Development"; D. E. Papalia, et al.; 2004
- "Maternal & Child Nursing: Care of the Childbearing & Childrearing Family"; A. Pillitteri; 2007
