Final answer:
The PNP will likely advise the parents to encourage their active and curious toddler to play in a safe environment while using reinforcement of good behaviors rather than physical punishment, considering the long-term psychological impacts and possible negative outcomes of such punishment. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) will likely recommend that the parents encourage active play in a safe environment (option C). It is acknowledged that positive punishment may sometimes effectively deter undesirable behaviors, but the contemporary stance in psychology and parenting generally favors reinforcement over punishment. This means highlighting and rewarding good behaviors rather than strictly punishing bad ones. Also, practices such as time-out can serve as a form of negative punishment by temporarily removing a child from enjoyable activities as a consequence for misbehavior, which can teach them about consequences without fear or aggression. It is important to ensure that any disciplinary actions are neither physically nor emotionally harmful, as even without the intention to harm, certain physical forms of discipline are problematic and can lead to negative outcomes such as increased aggression and antisocial behavior.