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

30 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.

30 Comments

courtney

4/29/2018 03:37:27 pm

I think this behavior is age appropriate. I could help educate the parent by handing them and discussing the developmentally appropriate behaviors of 3 and 4 year olds, which include imaginative and creative play. I'm not sure how to keep this from happening again because I won't discourage imaginative and creative play from any child.

Izabela

5/2/2018 09:04:31 pm

This is an age appropriate behavior. I would listen to the parents' concerns and help them to understand that children their age enjoy pretend play. I would also provide them with some reading materials to ease their anxiety.

Olesya Mikhaleva

5/3/2018 10:44:23 am

This behavior is appropriate for the preschool age as at this time they like pretend play and try themselves in different roles. I would talk to boys to understand what is the exact reason for this behavior, maybe they just like some bright and shiny costumes, so we can find boy's costumes alternatives, if they just like princess dresses it is also all right - in that case I would just try to explain parents that this is normal behavior and they shouldn't stress out because of that

Venessa Beltran

5/3/2018 02:12:03 pm

I would try to let the parents know that it is okay, children learn and see different social skills and need to learn how to express things. Dramatic play is one of the ways a child can do that.

Ava Chakravarti

5/3/2018 03:47:07 pm

I believe this to be age appropriate behavior because these children have no pre-conceived notions about sexual identities.
I would explain the importance of such creative play and that both boys and girls will emulate the adults in their lives. This is a common part of children's expression and development.
I would probably have the children do their clean up and put away the costumes prior to the parent arrival time however.

Sandy

5/6/2018 12:53:52 pm

Playing dress up is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for pre-school age children.
I would be sure that the parents felt that I heard what they had said and would explain dramatic play is important at this age and is age-appropriate.
I would explain to the parents that the child is having fun and that they are safe and there is no concern and I would tell them if there was.

Calia Delgadillo

5/6/2018 10:03:07 pm

1.Do you think this behavior or expectation is age-appropriate?
I think is appropriate children at this age will do it because they thinks is funny and interesting, not because of any negative reason.
2.If so, how could you explain this to the parents/co-workers?
I will listen to the parent concern, and will explain that their child is in a safe environment and that them dressing up like princesses is a normal action that children at this age do.
3.Is there anything you can do to prevent this situation from happening again?
just make sure to have different dress up clothes, observing, asking to the parents if they agree or disagree if their child does again.

Lucia

5/7/2018 03:04:22 pm

This behavior in my opinion is age appropriate as usually children love to play, try new things, and try on or play with what another child has or has on. I would explain that I think the behavior is age appropriate and that the child may or may not completely understand the complexities of gender roles and expectations, or the teasing that may occur in the future. I would also explain that perhaps this is a good time for the parents or guardians to have a conversation with their boys. I think if the guardian is comfortable enough entering into dialogue with the staff and asking the staff to respond a certain way to the boys dressing up, then the parents or guardians should also feel comfortable enough to discuss it with their children.
To prevent this situation from happening again,

Deepa

5/7/2018 07:12:28 pm

I would explain it to parents dress up games are appropriate at this age. children are exploring world around them at this age and this is very natural.

Therese Kroon

5/8/2018 12:53:32 pm

Playing dress up is very age appropriate. I would explain to the parent that boys dressing up at this age is normal and okay. I would also try to have other costumes available.

Janice L

5/11/2018 09:55:52 pm

Yes, it is age appropriate. I would explain to the parents that children at this age love imaginary play. I would also tell them that as long as the child is happy and feels safe, they should not be too concerned with what he chooses to dress up in. I would tell him that children like to express themselves and this is a way to do so.
I will let them know that we have many different dress up options from princess dresses to chefs to firefighters but they are not gender specific and boys and girls can choose to dress in whatever they feel like.

Sandy C

5/12/2018 03:53:13 pm

For pre-school age children, playing dress up is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate. I would be sure that the parents felt that their concerns were heard and I would explain dramatic play is both age appropriate and important at this age.
I would further explain to the parents that their child is having fun and exploring in safe environment and there is no concern. I would follow up with the parents to be sure there was no concern or other questions they had.

Leah

5/13/2018 03:23:46 pm

I will explain to the parent that this behavior is developmentally appropriate for this age group as preschoolers learn through modeling behaviors. Boys wanting to act out the role of doctors, fire fighters, or policeman is no different that them wanting to act out the role of nurses, princesses, or mothers. This is simply an example of imaginative play which is healthy for brain development.

Shelby

5/13/2018 07:12:57 pm

I would explain to the parent of the two boys that this behavior is age appropriate because preschoolers don't know better and they are just playing using their imagination. Preschoolers are greatly influenced by other children, as they may do what other children do. To prevent the parent from getting anymore upset, I would bring in other costumes that boys can dress up in.

Maria

5/14/2018 09:38:23 pm

Dramatic play helps preschoolers express themselves creatively.
I would explain that it is important to let the children express themselves freely and as long as they feel comfortable they shouldn't be concerned.
I would make sure they understand that the child is having fun and that they don't have any more concerns.

Emily

5/15/2018 09:47:42 pm

I'd listen to what their father has to say, and then explain that its age appropriate, dramatic play is very important for them to realize roles, and how to express themselves. As long as the boys feel comfortable, and you explain no bullying is happening, they should be able to dress however they want.

Makella Marshall

5/17/2018 02:49:36 pm

I would explain to the parents of the two kids that dressing up would be a completely neutral thing for the kids, it is their way of exploring and learning different things. To help satisfy the [parents Id get gender neutral dress up clothes and male dress up clothes.

Dakota McKee

5/18/2018 11:56:14 am

I believe that dress up is appropriate at any age. Especially as children at this age do not have concrete ideas of gender. I would speak to the parents about the development of their children and what behaviors and actions are appropriate and expected at that age. I would encourage the parent to speak to their children about how they are feeling when their child dresses up and start a dialogue with them, even a young child will be able to express that they were just using their imagination. I would tell that limiting their imaginative play could be harmful to their brain development.

Jenna Rees

5/18/2018 02:55:51 pm

1. Personally, I believe that this is perfectly acceptable, as all imaginative play benefits children and their development no matter what clothes they choose to wear.
2. I would explain to the parent that the clothing was his child’s choice and that he is developing his through play. I would assure him that there is no tolerance for bullying at school and that I would be sure to provide a wide range of clothing for future play.
3. If the parent was truly upset about this, I would be sure to provide a wide range of dress up clothes and plan time way before pick up times to allow homeliving, imaginative play.

Martha

5/19/2018 02:06:23 pm

I would tell the parent that, its a drama time and we give them all the choice what they want to dress and do their imaginary character so, its definitely up to the child with out the involvement of the teacher. But if she really not happy with that, I will show her there are other clothing options she might choose for her kids. By the end of the day want everyone to be happy.

Jaiden

5/19/2018 02:34:19 pm

I work in a childcare center and have actually dealt with this situation before.
1) Dramatic play and dress-up, even cross dressing, is very appropriate for children at this age. This is the age when children start to recognize their interests and preferences. Children at the age or 3 or 4 should not even really understand the concept of specific gender roles and should use dramatic play as they please.
2) I would let the parent know that it's normal for children this age to want to experiment with the clothes that they wear and help them understand that we cannot restrict any child from playing with what is available to them in the center.
3) If the parent is truly upset about the situation, I would allow the child to play with what they want in dramatic play and then kindly redirect them to a different activity or give them an idea for a different dramatic play concept before I know their parent is coming to pick them up. I know it is wrong to hide things from the parent but I strongly believe children should be able to express themselves how they want.

Natalie Stevens

5/19/2018 03:17:48 pm

Yes, this totally age appropriate play. If a parent/family came to me expressing their concerns about this scenario, I would first ensure that I listen to their concerns without inserting my personal beliefs regarding “gender appropriate dressing “. I would then go on to explain that it is totally age appropriate to role play and dress in different costumes. The child is not necessarily identifying with a gender. Children have vivid imaginations and its just play to them. They typically are not indentified with gender at this age. It is very common for young boys and girls to dress up in clothing of the opposite sex. I would reassure them that teasing would not be tolerated by children under our care for any reason. I think it would be sufficient explainination. I don’t feel that the issue of boys or girls dressing up in any costume is one to be prevent, therefore I would continue to allow it. Assuming this was a one off or rare concern, I don’t think it would need to be addressed any further. I would have a training meeting with the staff at a later time to explain the policies and procedures with respect to parents being concerned about this issue.

Drew Pace

5/19/2018 03:24:27 pm

It is important that every student has the ability to be curious and express themselves in a healthy way in the classroom. It is also important to have appropriate learning materials that encompass a wide representation of mentalities with cultural and gender differences in mind for learning purposes. The parents need to know these two things. The n you can reassure them that this type of play is normal for learning and they have many avenues in which to explore all ideals.

Ananita Fernandez link

5/19/2018 05:46:19 pm

1. For me is appropriate at their age, children now a days are broad minded, and they think it's fun. 2. I explain that they just having fun and only for school activity purposes. 3. If the parents don't like the it, I will explain and apologized and rspect their concerns on this matter.

Betty Bruer

5/20/2018 09:45:20 am

I would explain to the father that this is the age when children make believe they are a he or she it is a phase .and reassure if they will grow out of it. to prevent this situation to stir up again I would take them to see what I have , and that I have many different gender clothing for make believe and the children are free to dress up.

Amanda White

5/21/2018 02:57:49 pm

I believe this is age appropriate. I wouod listen to the parent as they voiced their concerns and then assure them that this is very common and that the child is just playing and having fun. That they dont see it as a "girl" or "boy" thing, but just dress up. If the parent is still upset I would provide a very wide range of dress up, and have the children play with that far before pick up time.

Kayla

5/22/2018 05:55:12 pm

The behavior is age appropriate because children that age use dramatic play to recreate things they see in their every day life. I would listen to what the parents are saying and explain to them that it is something that is completely normal. You could also provide a wide variety of dress up, but there is no solution other than telling the child no that may stop them from wanting to wear it.

Kailey

5/22/2018 10:48:19 pm

The behavior of dress up is appropriate. I would listen to the parents concerns and then explain it is normal act of play. If they still have concerns maybe show some research of how it is appropriate.

Tina Mueller

5/22/2018 11:11:14 pm

I would list to the concerns of the parents before I begin to explain that all of this is creative and natural play. They are exploring what they can wear and are pretending to be what they want to be. Just by providing a lot of options of costumes can give children more options and gives them the opportunity to dress up with many other costumes.

Hailey Annis link

5/24/2018 12:14:04 pm

I think this behavior is completely normal as a child, they don't have the perspective of what is a girls clothes vs. boy clothes at this age, I can explain the the parent that all the little boys do this and they love it. I will not allow any teasing and explain to them that it is completely normal

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