What it means
In Erikson's stages, preschoolers work on initiative versus guilt: they like to plan, try things and ask "why". They think in magical ways and may believe an illness is a punishment. They often fear injury to the body, such as needles, cuts and bandages, and can fear the dark and being left alone.
For the nurse
Explain procedures shortly before they happen in simple words, let the child handle safe equipment or practice on a doll, and offer small choices. Use bandages after shots, since a preschooler may worry about "leaking". Keep parents close.
At a glance
| Also written | preschoolers |
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Related terms
pacifier
A rubber or silicone nipple that a baby sucks on for comfort, not for feeding.
immunization schedule
The recommended timetable of which vaccines to give, at what ages and how many doses.