Early childhood (3-6 years old) is the period of fastest physical and mental development in life

Introduction

The age of 3-6 is the fastest period of physical and mental development in a child’s life. Children’s physical, cognitive, language, social-emotional and self-care abilities all make great progress during this period, making it a golden period of development.

Physiologically, children at this stage gradually develop from gross motor skills to fine motor skills, and may learn to dress themselves and use scissors and other tools. Psychologically, according to Freud's psychology, they have developed into the sexual bud stage, and according to Erickson's psychosocial development theory, they are developing ambition and guilt. At this time, the balance between the ego and the superego, which will affect their whole life, is also the focus of development during this period.

The health goal for children at this stage is to establish a healthy diet and lifestyle so that their physical and psychological development can proceed smoothly. The nutrients they need are calories and vitamins for growth and development, especially folic acid, which is beneficial to the development of the brain and nervous system, calcium and vitamin D related to bone development, and iron and protein that affect the production of red blood cells. In addition, children have a small appetite but a high calorie demand, so they should eat small meals frequently, increase snack time, and have a balanced and rich diet.

【Physiological behavior】

3-4 years old action

-Can use hands and feet at the same time, stand on one foot, run on tiptoes, go downstairs by himself, and wipe himself after defecation at the age of 4. Can take off shirt and put on socks by himself.

Recommendation: This is a good time to develop good eating habits.

4-5 years old action

-Can bounce a ball, catch a ball, and put on his/her own shirt.

Suggestion: Training to help with simple housework is both a game and an exercise.

5-6 years old action

Can tie shoelaces and draw details.

Suggestion: You can let your children create using drawing paper, colored paper, clay, and colored pencils.

【Psychological behavior】

A child's temperament at the age of three can predict his psychological and behavioral performance in old age.

Freud's developmental theory

Genital stage, 3-6 years old, this is an exciting period, the genitals are children's main source of happiness and satisfaction. Boys develop Oedipus complex and castration anxiety, so they try their best to imitate their fathers and regard themselves as fathers; girls develop Oedipus complex and penis envy.

Erickson's developmental theory

Developmental Tasks: Progress or Guilt

If a child being able to freely choose meaningful activities will develop a positive self-concept. If they are not allowed to make their own decisions, they will develop a sense of guilt about their creativity. They will then tend to let others choose for them.

The age of 3 to 6 is an important time to develop a balance between the ego and the superego, learn to accept emotions and obey rules, and achieve a balance between the ego and the superego. In terms of parenting, it is appropriate to first understand and accept the child's impulses or emotions, and then slowly explain them to let them understand that their emotions are not bad, but they can be controlled by themselves.

Children with an overly strong "id" are easily controlled by instinctive desires, and people with an overly strong and inflexible "superego" are easily turned into "policemen", "moralists", "overly demanding perfection", and "righteous demons". A good self-function is to empathize with the "id" first, and then set the behavioral standards of the "superego" according to the child's ability.

For example, when a child cries loudly on the street because he wants something, first understand his emotions and say, "Mom knows you want it very much," "Let's go shopping somewhere else first. If you still want it, come back and have a look, okay?" Then encourage his self-control, "You don't cry or make a fuss on the street anymore. That's great." Gradually let the child learn to use speaking instead of crying, and be able to express himself rationally.

Health goals And the required nutrition

Nutritional requirements	Calcium, vitamin D, high-quality protein, folic acid, vitamin B1, iron, vitamin ACE, dietary fiber

health goals	Growth, nerve cell tissue development, hemoglobin and red blood cell production, vision and bone development, repair of red blood cells, DNA, bones, metabolism, prevention of beriberi, constipation, improvement of autism disorders

Food	Milk, dried fish, large bones, lean meat, dark vegetables, various vegetables, sweet potatoes, brown rice, beans, offal, fruits, eggs, fish