Discussion: Age-Appropriate Preschool﻿﻿ Scenario * Module 2 Page 24 (12/13)

Discussion: Age-Appropriate Preschool Scenario * Module 2 Page 24 (12/13)

6/4/2016

24 Comments

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Please read the scenario, then discuss the following questions:

Do you think this behavior or expectation is age-appropriate?
If so, how could you explain this to the parents/co-workers?
Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again?

Preschool Scenario
You have been running your own family child care home for a couple of years and have an extensive collection of dress up clothes that the children adore. A parent has just started her three and four year old sons in your program and seems very upset when he comes to pick his boys up and finds them dressed as princesses. This parent is concerned that dressing up in girl’s clothes is inappropriate for boys and will cause them to be confused and teased. You are also upset because the boys love dressing up and you don’t want to restrict children’s imaginative play.

24 Comments

Madelyn Weyer

10/31/2018 07:17:17 am

It is completely normal for this to happen in this age group. I would explain that its normal for all children to explore and see things for themselves. I do not think it needs to be prevented.

Sherrie

10/31/2018 03:23:25 pm

Yes it is very age appropriate for 3 & 4 year olds to be dressing up as a princess. I would reassure to the father that It is just pretending. Just like a girl will wear a man shirt and tie and pretend to be a daddy or business man. The same boys also love to play with trucks, trains and build with lego's.

I can not guarantee that it won't happen again because it would be more damaging to the child to try to stop them.

Joshua David Tate

11/2/2018 09:14:42 am

I agree, but I would recommend a more sensitive approach with the parents.

Taylor Clack

11/1/2018 10:44:10 am

1. I don't think this behavior is age-appropriate because if children were being teased or bullied, I would talk with the parents about how we can deal with the situation so that the children can learn how to be nice and not make fun of others.
2. I would explain to the parents about concerns that teasing and bullying can make kids have their feelings hurt and they might not interact in dramatic play or try new dress up clothes instead of girl dresses.
3. Yes, I would role play with children and teach them how to be nice and not have negative interactions. They would also have to learn how to get along better.

11/2/2018 09:12:39 am

Do you think this behavior or expectation is age-appropriate?
If so, how could you explain this to the parents/co-workers?
Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again?

I would explain to the parent that this behavior is age appropriate because they are exploring and it is not a punishable moment. I would also explain the parent that dressing as a princes at this age will not effect the outcome of their child in a negative way.

Melinda Tandiono

11/14/2018 07:25:30 pm

I aggree with this, however I'd still direct the kids boys will dress up as boys, and girls will be dressed up as girls. In my current work, we actually are not allowed to even read books about princesses or heroes. It is age appropriate though cause this is the stage where they are learning about themselves. I would tell the co-workers to explain the kid which of which is girls costume and which one is boys costume. A lot of communication, reminder, and attention are definitely done for the best outcome for the child care parents, and importantly the children

Israel

11/2/2018 01:36:09 pm

would listen to the parents carefully so I can address their concerns.

Beth

11/3/2018 11:20:24 pm

I do think this is appropriate aged behavior.
I would explain that all dress up items are out and available for all children to play with. They are not separated by gender or any other means. I would also explain that this is a great way for their children to express their creativity, as they may be in princess attire, but not acting the part.
I would listen to the parents concerns, and make sure other toys/activities are available at the same time, so that the children have multiple options/choices of toys/activities.

Kiera Schneider

11/4/2018 07:31:30 pm

This behavior is age apporpriate, the child is learning to explore and discover themselves. You cannot force the child to act a curtain way or dress up as one thing in this instance boys.

I would explain to the parents/ co workers that this completely normal, and we shouldn’t interfere with their explanation.

I would tell the parents that this is typical for the age. We should not jump to conclussions and assume the worst, they should allow the child to explore, and find what interests them but if the parents doesn’t want their boys too I would respect their decision and steer their child away from dressing up as a girl.

Jennifer Lee

11/4/2018 08:45:07 pm

this is normal for this age group. i would explain that this behavior is normal for this age, the children are imitating what they observe and this is how they explore their world. it is also part of imaginative play normal for that as well. I would reassure them that teasing and bullying is not allowed in the class and if they still have a concern try to address their concern by having them come in to do this play with their children and see how it is received in the classroom by other children.

Swannee Bruner

11/5/2018 12:25:43 am

I would listen to what the parents had to say so they are aware their concerns have been heard. Then I would explain that this was absolutely normal behavior for children this age, as they begin to learn and explore colors and recognize things that catch their attention. I would remind the parents that we strongly encourage children to utilize their imaginations all in fun and that while we do that within the classroom, respect is emphasized and bullying is not allowed. I would also emphasize that it is wonderful the children felt comfortable enough to share their princess look with their friends and that is usually a common and passing phase for most.

Leilanie

11/5/2018 03:08:17 pm

I think at their age it is appropriate in his behavior. And I will explain to the parents that this is part of the imaginative play and exploring of their child. And out of curiosity of being a child how does it look like that he never think what is an outcome of wearing those kind of costume. I will make sure that the parents can understand this ind of situation and tell them not to worry about this behavior

Elizabeth Camilo

11/5/2018 11:38:57 pm

This is very normal for this age. They are not limited by gender, or what is considered typical acceptable as we are. I would allow the boys to continue with their imaginative play and communicate with the parent that this is normal behavior for their age. I would acknowledge his concern and make sure the primary caregiver feels confident their child is happy and having fun.

Christine Zaugg

11/6/2018 06:56:52 pm

I think that it is age appropriate. Children at this age like to dress up and be imaginary people and thats what I will tell my parents. If the parent highly objects to it I would try to come to a comprimise.

Lucica Endo

11/6/2018 10:04:16 pm

I will tell the parents there is nothing to worry about. Children at this age play in all kinds of ways. At this developmental stage they are still exploring their role models.

Padmaja Kondeti

11/8/2018 03:45:29 pm

Firstly i will calmly listen to parents, then will explain its age appropriate because they want to try every thing . It wont effect their gender and by time they will change and their taste will differ.

Noelle

11/10/2018 05:10:02 pm

most importantly I would begin by listening fully to all of her concerns so she feels as though she has been heard and understood. Then, I would carefully explain that this is a age appropriate behavior for children. I would do so by providing supportive information on this topic. if she seems receptive to this, I may provide her with some resources to look further into how dress up and imaginative play has positive outcomes. If she seems very adamant about not having her children dress up as princess, I would work with her to find play clothes that she thinks are more appropriate so we can maintain a good relationship.

Daneka

11/11/2018 07:05:48 pm

The behavior is age-appropriate for 3-4 years olds. When speaking to the caregiver, make sure to listen to their concerns and their expectations of the child's behavior. Dressing up is a way to experience another perspective and pretend to be someone else, male or female. If the caregiver is concerned about teasing or bullying, perhaps invite them into the classroom to experience all the children playing in this way or the positive interactions between the children first hand.

Nalika Virachi

11/11/2018 09:22:17 pm

This behavior is very age appropriate as the child is exploring and being exposed to new toys and types of play around them. I would explain this to the parents and that there is no concern within the boundaries of my daycare because I would be prefer to run a non-judgmental zone. I would express that this behavior is natural and should be acknowledged as the children are learning different social norms as well. If the parents absolutely detested it I would respect their wishes and wouldn't allow the children to play with the dresses specifically but gear them towards other play options or clothing.

Sook Kyung Park

11/12/2018 02:33:24 pm

I guess you could do that if the parents still don't understand that it is a natural thing.

11/12/2018 02:31:54 pm

Such behavior is appropriate for this age and I would explain the parents the same way. First, I would calm the parents by saying that this is very appropriate for the children at this age. I would explain that children at that age like to play pretending. And I would also tell them it is normal for preschool boys and girls to dress up in clothes of the other sex as a way of trying out what it is like to be a man or a woman, a father or a mother. And I would tell them dressing up in play like this is a healthy way for young children to learn about and think about the world they live in. Because this is very normal healthy way for them to play, I will not do anything to prevent this from happening.

Laura Jakobsen

11/12/2018 08:44:15 pm

I believe that it is completely normal for any gender of child to dress up in clothes for any gender. All they are doing is playing a game in their head, that they are trying to make come out in real life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. And them experimenting with wearing clothes of the opposite sex will not confuse them whatsoever. There is no way of making sure this will not happen. Unfortunately, this is just a fear that some parents will have. All we can do is try to get them to understand that it is okay.

dena

11/13/2018 01:11:44 pm

I believe this is age appropriate and encourages growth and development in the child as does all active play. I would try to communicate with the parent and help them understand this. also point out other active play we can encourage in addition to if the parent is more comfortable.

Gianna Starble

11/13/2018 02:33:05 pm

It is totally age appropriate for kids of any gender at ages 3 and 4 to dress up like a variety of things, real or make believe. This is because they are in a stage where role playing and exploring what it would be like to be other people or animals is an interesting subject in figuring out their own roles in the world.
For the concerned parent of the sons in princess dresses, I would bring up the fact that its totally developmentally appropriate. That when we play dress up, most often times all the other kids are so invested in their play and are very open to the idea of their peers being anyone or anything. Any negative comments from peers will be navigated and redirected by a teacher. If the parent still seemed concerned, I would swap out the princess costumes and any gender specific costumes with more animal dress up and occupational themed costumes.

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