Language is a primary method of communication and socializing;
mutual play with adult encourages language development.
Continuous questioning may be noted with persistence until answer is
provided.
Toys that talk or play music are preferred.
Brief sentences (telegraphic speech) are common with progression to
longer sentences by age 5.
By age 5 or 6, child has strong command of language use.(^20) Pediatric Nursing Demystified
Chronological Developmental Stage or Defining Key Impact on
Age Range Theory Phase Characteristics Nursing Care
TABLE 2–2•Developmental Characteristics: Infancy to Early Childhood
18 months to
3 years
1 to 3 years
2 to 7 years
3 to 6 years
3 to 5 years
2 to 7 years
Erikson
Life-span stages
Psychoanalytical
Piaget
Social/cognitive
Freud
Id, ego, superego
Psychoanalytical
Erikson
Life-span stages
Psychoanalytical
Piaget
Social/cognitive
Anal stage
Autonomy vs.
shame and doubt
Preoperational
stage
Phallic stage
Initiative vs. guilt
Preoperational
stage (continued)
Pleasure focuses
on the anus
Mastering physical
environment;
building
self-esteem
Represents the
world with words
and images;
symbolic thinking
Pleasure focuses
on the genitals
Initiates
activities, begins
to develop
conscience;
developing
sexual identity
Coordinates
sensory
experiences with
physical action
Explain to family
and teach child
hygiene
Support bonding
and family
relationships
Plan experiences
like drawing and
writing for
expressing ideas
Explain to family
and teach child
hygiene
Monitor activities
and protect from
injury and
accidental
poisoning;
encourage
questioning
Plan tactile
experiences and
colorful materials,
to stimulate senses