CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN Birth to Three Years Old Trauma is an emotional shock that may intensify characteristics such as fear, anger, and jealousy. The following are general characteristics of children. Be aware of how they may intensify during disasters. A crisis creates stress, fear, anxiety and may result in childhood trauma. Physical The child’s large muscles are still developing. Therefore, materials, and activities, should match the child’s developmental level. Children have plenty of energy. them space and time to move around. Children tire easily so try to alternate activities with quietness. Mental A vocabulary is limited. Talk on his level. Children’s attention span is limited. Provide a variety of activities. A child has limited ideas of time and space. Avoid topics on concepts of time. Children are imaginative. Provide opportunities to play “pretend.” A child is curious. Provide them with simple, direct answers. Children are literal-minded. abstract ideas or symbolism. A child learns by imitating so be a good example. Children respond by suggestion so avoid giving commands. A child learns through their senses. Provide them with opportunities to use them. Social Children are self-centered and need understanding and encouragement to share. Children seek approval. Praise them for good and appropriate behavior. Emotional A child has strong emotions so provide a quiet atmosphere. A child feels insecure so be flexible and provide them with structure. A child has some control over crying. Encourage them to ask for things rather than cry for them. Children may act out anger. Do not let tantrums be successful. Move the child away from their audience, encourage them to use words to express their needs, and respond positively when they do. They may just need to be held to feel secure and loved. Children may become jealous for the attention of caregiver so avoid favoritism. A child may be possessive. Respect his belongings. You may need to put them out of reach of other children, but within sight of the owner. Label special toys with the child’s name. Spiritual A concept of God varies according to culture and upbringing. Allowing them to see God in you will be more revealing than any words you speak.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN Birth to Three Years Old Trauma is an emotional shock that may intensify characteristics such as fear, anger, and jealousy. The following are general characteristics of children. Be aware of how they may intensify during disasters. A crisis creates stress, fear, anxiety and may result in childhood trauma. Physical The child’s large muscles are still developing. Therefore, materials, and activities, should match the child’s developmental level. Children have plenty of energy. them space and time to move around. Children tire easily so try to alternate activities with quietness. Mental A vocabulary is limited. Talk on his level. Children’s attention span is limited. Provide a variety of activities. A child has limited ideas of time and space. Avoid topics on concepts of time. Children are imaginative. Provide opportunities to play “pretend.” A child is curious. Provide them with simple, direct answers. Children are literal-minded. abstract ideas or symbolism. A child learns by imitating so be a good example. Children respond by suggestion so avoid giving commands. A child learns through their senses. Provide them with opportunities to use them. Social Children are self-centered and need understanding and encouragement to share. Children seek approval. Praise them for good and appropriate behavior. Emotional A child has strong emotions so provide a quiet atmosphere. A child feels insecure so be flexible and provide them with structure. A child has some control over crying. Encourage them to ask for things rather than cry for them. Children may act out anger. Do not let tantrums be successful. Move the child away from their audience, encourage them to use words to express their needs, and respond positively when they do. They may just need to be held to feel secure and loved. Children may become jealous for the attention of caregiver so avoid favoritism. A child may be possessive. Respect his belongings. You may need to put them out of reach of other children, but within sight of the owner. Label special toys with the child’s name. Spiritual A concept of God varies according to culture and upbringing. Allowing them to see God in you will be more revealing than any words you speak.
Approved%20Emergency%20Child%20Respite%20Care%20Unit%20Manual.docx