Emotional Development 4 – 6 year olds

General Emotional Patterns 4 year olds Assert independence Self-centered Impatient Defiant Boastful Argue more often Bossy

General Emotional Patterns 4 year olds, cont. Loving and affectionate Need and seek parental approval Enjoy people laughing at their jokes Dislike people laughing at their mistakes Important for them to “no longer” be seen as “a baby” Difficult phase of emotional development

General Emotional Patterns 5 year old Quieter period of emotional development Practical Sympathetic Serious Realistic Enjoy slapstick humor

General Emotional Patterns 5 year old cont. Carry on discussions Ask meaningful questions Conform to rules more easily Adult criticism is very hard for them Patient Persistent Generous and conscientious

General Emotional Patterns 6 year old Stubborn Quarrelsome Resent directions (they know everything) Center of their own universe At their worst w/their own parents Rapidly changing moods

General Emotional Patterns 6 year olds cont. Love and hate; accept and reject; smile and storm – for NO apparent reason Learn to appreciate humorous situations and jokes Faced w/ the task to find their status outside the home Crave praise and approval Easily hurt and discouraged

Specific Emotions Self – confidence Improves w/the accomplishment of new tasks Success at facing unfamiliar situations Develop initiative – motivation to accomplish more Anger 4 year old – physical fighting, lasts longer, often threaten and attempt to “get even” 5 year old – more likely to hurt feelings of others than physcially 6 year old – more stinging words, tease, insult, nag and make fun

Specific Emotions Fear They have well developed imaginations Sensitive and insecure children are more prone to fears Help overcome fear by: Accept the fear Allow expression of fear w/out ridicule Ability to face the fear by talking or acting out

Specific Emotions Jealousy Sibling rivalry is common at these ages Parents cannot show favoritism May take the form of: Tattling Criticizing Lying Nail-biting Bed-wetting tantrums

Children and Stress Children lead stressful lives Worry about everything 1 in 3 children suffers from severe stress May cause: Stomachaches and headaches Moodiness and irritability Trouble eating or sleeping

Children and Stress Handling stress Find the cause Give chances to get rid of tension Read books about the issue Maintain normal limits on behavior