Final answer:
The nurse should recommend unstructured outdoor play and cooperative games to promote social development in preschoolers, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and social interactions. These activities support overall healthy development and help children achieve the developmental task of initiative versus guilt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should recommend play activities that promote social development for a preschooler. These activities might include unstructured play that stimulates creativity, problem-solving skills, and enhances social relationships according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Outdoor play is of particular importance, as it not only affords children the direct experience with the world around them, but it also encourages physical activity, which is critical for healthy heart and brain development. Roleplaying and cooperative games can help preschool children learn to plan, achieve goals, and interact with others, which are essential for their socialization process and in mastering the developmental task of initiative vs. guilt as described by Erikson.
Moreover, parents can help by providing a variety of playful activities such as making music, dancing, engaging in art, theatre, or sports, which align with the healthy living environment. These constructive and enjoyable engagements are vital for the child's all-around growth and assist in building self-confidence and a sense of purpose as they navigate through various social roles and learn about the world through play.