Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

During the preschool years, children primarily develop which characteristic?

1. Industry

2. Autonomy

3. Trust

4. Initiative

The correct answer is: Initiative

During the preschool years, children are primarily focused on developing the characteristic of initiative. This period, typically ranging from ages 3 to 6, is crucial for a child's emotional and social development. During this stage, children start to assert control and power over their environment through directing play and other social interactions. They are learning to initiate activities, which leads to a sense of purpose and the ability to follow through with tasks. The development of initiative is characterized by the child’s eagerness to explore new roles, engage in imaginative play, and start projects without needing to be told what to do. This initiative allows children to gain confidence in their abilities and fosters a sense of leadership. When they successfully navigate these experiences, they develop a healthy sense of self-worth, which is essential for their overall emotional well-being. In contrast, characteristics like autonomy, which is closely related but more prevalent in the toddler stage, focus on independence and self-control. Trust is fundamental at an even earlier stage of development, during infancy; it revolves around establishing a dependable relationship with caregivers. Industry typically emerges later, during the school-age years, where children learn to work with others and develop skills in a structured environment.