Fillable General Pediatric Clinic / Preschool Visit (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

GENERAL PEDIATRIC CLINIC / PRESCHOOL VISIT

ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE FOR PRESCHOOL VISIT

F-01068J (01/11)

Page 2

Independence, which began at birth and became apparent at the

Sex identification becomes obvious to the child as they learn to

time walking started, is now manifested in everything the child

compare what they see. A single child with a single parent of the

does. Self-care should be encouraged, and by kindergarten the

same sex may not have the opportunity to make this comparison.

child should be able to dress and undress without help except for a

In peer group playing, preschoolers do undress and compare

few ties, buttons, and right versus left. Eating should be totally

themselves. This should be viewed by the parent as a learning

independent. Bathing and toileting need supervision, but the child

experience, supplemented at home by books and simple

should achieve some independence. In the process of learning self-

explanations. Preschoolers are in the concrete stage of

care, fine motor coordination may parallel motivation or be slower

understanding and do not ask for long scientific explanations.

than desired by parents and/or child. Independence to the child will

Labeling by name and direct explanation of function suffices. If the

include many activities, which potentially may be harmful to objects

child's questions are readily answered, more questions will come

and/or child. The parents must set firm limits and demand

with more developed thinking.

obedience when the child might be harmed. They should set

definite limits and consequences. This is the age when some

Masturbation is discovered and enjoyed by the preschooler. Many

parents complain that "everything is a battle" and cannot give

parents seeing the child masturbate become very disturbed. They

specific examples. To help modify a behavior, the parents need to

need to know this is a normal activity for children. The child does

acknowledge which behavior is most troublesome. Then they can

need to learn that it is usually not a socially acceptable activity and

monitor the antecedent to that behavior, describe the behavior

the parent should interrupt the child if they do it in public, but

(e.g., kicking table, screams, hits mother), and also write down the

masturbation in itself will not harm the child.

consequences — how the parents reacted, what they did, and how

the behavior terminated. Data from the motoring sheets will help

Dental care includes brushing the teeth without or with a little

assess the cause of the problem and make plans on how to

toothpaste by the child and at regular intervals by the parent. The

decrease and maybe eliminate the problem. Starting with one

preschooler who adjusts easily to a new situation can be taken to

problem often teaches the parents to handle other problems.

the dentist for exploration and a quick look at the teeth. The dentist

chosen needs to be able to adjust how much can be done with this

child's temperament. Several visits may be necessary before a

Safety, Accidents and Poisoning

thorough check and fluoride prophylaxis treatment is actually given.

Leading causes of mortality and morbidity in this age group.

Preparing the child, as for the physician's visit, may be very helpful.

Poisoning peaks in the 2-3 year explorer. Parents should be

reminded to keep poisons out of reach. Labeling a poisonous

substance with Mr. Yuk with the child's help is good educational

activity, but it still should be put out of reach. Plants are frequently

poisonous and medicines should never be called a candy.

As children mature in their gross motor activities, they wander

further away from home. A 5 year old will need to be taught how to

cross the street, how to direct himself to school and return, and

how to avoid talking to or going with strangers. In the preschool

years, the seeds are sewn for this knowledge, but the parent

cannot trust the child to go out and play alone yet. Supervision is

still necessary.

General Pediatric Clinic / Preschool Visit Page 2

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