Page 11 - Kyalami Estates Issue 3 Aug 2024

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
TODAY'S CHILD

COME BE ME, MYSELF AND I:
INSPIRED
UNDERSTANDING THE PRE-SCHOOL STAGE

B Y NIC OLEEN D A VIES, LIFE T ALK FORUM

re-schoolers are children between the
ages of three and six. At this devel-
Popmental phase, they are ready to
learn to socialise. This is also the time for
questions – who, what, why, when. Under-
standing the world around them becomes
increasingly important as they become
more independent, converse more and
speak in longer sentences.

This growth phase has a strong social and
emotional development component built
in, mainly during play and exposure to
others. This is when the pre-schooler learns
to share, realising that there are rules to
follow and other people they need to get
along with.
PRE-SCHOOLERS ARE
EGOCENTRIC
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ing around them as it relates to them. Their • develop independence and social skills pictures.
perspective is the only one that matters. which they use for learning and getting • Remind them that all feelings are
They are not being selfish; they simply don’t on with others at pre-school and later, okay if they are expressed clearly and
yet understand a different point of view. school. considerately.
STUDENTS
41 WESTERN SERVICE ROAD, They are also straight shooters and say it as • enjoy playing with other children. • Teach them problem-solving skills.
• may have a particular friend.
These can be applied to relationships,
WENDYWOOD, SANDTON, 2148 it is, for example: “I don’t like you anymore • begin to share more and cooperate situations and their own feelings.
and don’t want to be your friend.” This with peers.
doesn’t mean they are intentionally nasty There are five elements to a pre-schooler’s
– they still have to learn that other people WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD developmental process, namely:
have feelings and can be hurt by words and LACKS SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL • Self-awareness: this is when
actions. They will still learn to apply filters, DEVELOPMENT? pre-schoolers become aware of
empathy and kindness – all those social Delayed or stunted social-emotional de- their gender, features, etc. They are
skills that help us get along. velopment at pre-school age manifests in becoming increasingly independent as
the form of behavioural problems. These they begin playing with their peers and
WHAT IS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT? result in an increased risk of adversity for become less reliant on their parents in
Social development is about creating, build- the child during their school-going years. a social setting.
ing and sustaining meaningful relationships Hence, the child could face challenges • Self-management: this is when they
with others. It is a gradual, integrative pro- such as ongoing behavioural problems, learn to control their emotions and
cess in which children acquire the capacity poor academic results and even psychiatric behaviour in a range of situations, es-
to express, experience, understand and disorders. pecially when things don’t go the way
manage emotions while building relation- they want them to.
ships. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? • Social awareness: understanding how
• A great way to help pre-schoolers un- they fit into the world. They learn to
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS AGE? derstand others is to sit with them and show consideration for others and their
From a behavioural perspective, the read books in which the characters possessions.
pre-schooler's development includes the experience emotion. Discuss how your • Relationship skills: they start to devel-
following: child would feel in the same situation. op the ability to show empathy and un-
• they understand when someone is hurt • Encourage your child to talk about derstand other people’s perspectives.
and may want to comfort them. their feelings – why they are sad, angry • Responsible decision-making: parents
• they may show a stronger preference or happy. are involved in guiding their children
for same-sex play mates. • Help your child make connections with to think about a problematic situation
• they may attain gender stability (sure others. Explain to them why a friend and how to go about resolving it.
she/he is a girl/boy). might not want to play with them. May-
• they may have bouts of aggression with be that friend is shy, sad or not feeling Remember: your children mirror what
ALUMINIUM & GLASS WINDOWS/DOORS peers. well. they see, so show empathy towards oth-
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this phase.
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Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3 • 2024 9