Question

Encouraging fantasy play and participation by children in their own care is a useful developmental approach for which pediatric age-group?

1. Preschool age (3 to 5 years)
2. Adolescence (10 to 19 years)
3. School age (5 to 10 years)
4. Toddler (1 to 3 years)

Answer 1

Preschool-age children (3 to 5 years) are the most appropriate group for encouraging fantasy play and participation in care. They experience cognitive growth, engage in pretend play, and begin taking initiative, all appropriate for this developmental approach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Developmental Approach for Pediatric Age-Groups

When considering the developmental approach that involves encouraging fantasy play and self-care participation, preschool-age children (3 to 5 years) are the most suitable group. During the preschool years, children experience substantial cognitive development. They are known for their symbolic thinking, ability to engage in pretend play, and curiosity, frequently asking "Why?" They also start understanding basic time concepts, sequencing, and what may happen next in a narrative.

Preschoolers enjoy inventing characters and scenarios, indicating their natural inclination towards fantasy play. Their physical development also supports this, as by the age of four, they can move with better coordination and express themselves through play. Psychosocially, they are at the stage of resolving the task of initiative versus guilt according to Erikson. Successful navigation of this stage leads to self-confidence and a sense of purpose while over-controlling may hinder their initiative.