Question

Which suggestion could the school nurse make to the parents of a 10 -year-old child who want to promote their child's psychosocial development? A. Encourage the child to start a collection of model cars, baseball cards, or other similar items. B. Meet the needs of the child in a consistent manner. C. Avoid disciplining the child during this difficult period. D. Reinforce that the child is a good person even if behavior is bad.

Short answer

The best suggestion that the school nurse could make to promote the child's psychosocial development is option B: Meet the needs of the child in a consistent manner.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

First, recognize that the question is about promoting psychosocial development in a child. Psychosocial development relates to social and psychological growth, including how people understand themselves and others, develop self-esteem and establish relationships.

Analyzing the Answer Choices

Evaluate each answer choice in the context of psychosocial development:A. Starting a collection can help with cognitive development and may provide a basis for social interactions.B. Meeting the child's needs consistently is key to developing trust and security, which are foundational for psychosocial development.C. While it's important to be understanding, completely avoiding discipline may not aid in teaching the child about social norms and consequences.D. Reinforcing that the child is inherently good while addressing bad behavior can help in developing a positive self-concept and understanding that mistakes don't define who they are.

Select the Best Suggestion

Based on the principles of psychosocial development, the best practice is to meet the child's needs in a consistent manner to build trust and stability (Option B). This approach lays the groundwork for all further development in social and emotional arenas.

Key concepts

Child Development

Child development encompasses the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes and growth that occur from birth through adolescence. During each stage, children face unique challenges and milestones that influence their future well-being. For instance, at the age of 10, a child is typically entering a stage characterized by improved self-awareness and the need for greater independence, while still requiring adequate support systems.

Activities that promote decision-making and personal achievement, such as starting a collection, can bolster cognitive development and encourage social skills. However, for psychosocial development, the overarching focus should be on providing a stable, nurturing environment where the child feels secure. This includes consistent caregiving, meaningful encouragement, and guidance that distinguishes the child from their behavior, allowing them to understand personal value versus unprompted actions.

School Nurse Recommendations

School nurses are in a unique position to offer recommendations that support a child’s comprehensive well-being. Given their background in both health and educational settings, they can observe the child in a social learning environment and provide tailored advice to parents.

Recommendations may focus on elements that foster a secure attachment and positive self-image. Aside from regular health checks, school nurses may suggest practices such as locating a mentor for the child, encouraging participation in group activities for social skill development, and the importance of routine and structure to create a sense of security. They emphasize a balanced approach to discipline that teaches accountability while affirming the child's intrinsic worth. This supports the dual objective of maintaining order and promoting healthy psychosocial development.

Psychosocial Growth

Psychosocial growth refers to the development of an individual's social and emotional capacities. This aspect of development involves learning to navigate interpersonal relationships, developing a sense of identity, and building emotional intelligence. One tenet of fostering psychosocial growth is the consistent fulfillment of a child's needs, which forms the basis of trust and security.

In the context of a school environment, psychosocial growth is influenced by interactions with peers and teachers, involvement in group activities, and the understanding of societal norms through guided discipline. It’s important for caregivers and educators to distinguish between the child as an individual and their occasional undesirable behaviors, thus helping children to build a resilient self-esteem unshaken by challenges or mistakes. By supporting these areas, adults contribute to the child's ability to thrive in a community and develop a well-rounded personality.