What fear is unique to the preschool period?

Choice A rationale:

"Thumb-sucking is detrimental to the eruption of the child's teeth and must be stopped as soon as possible.”. This response is not the most helpful because it can create unnecessary anxiety for the father and the child. While prolonged thumb-sucking can affect dental development, it's not an urgent concern in most cases.

Choice B rationale:

"Most children will stop thumb-sucking naturally by school age.”. This is the most helpful response. It reassures the father that thumb-sucking is a common behavior among preschool-age children and that many children naturally outgrow it as they enter school age. It encourages patience and avoids unnecessary intervention.

Choice C rationale:

"Over-the-counter treatments that give a bad taste can be placed on the thumb to discourage the practice.”. This option suggests using a topical solution to discourage thumb-sucking. While it's a valid approach, it may not be necessary for most children, and a more conservative approach (choice B) is often preferable.

Choice D rationale:

"Consistently touching the child's fingers whenever he sucks his thumb is most effective.”. This response may not be as effective or practical as choice B, which advises patience. Constantly touching the child's fingers may disrupt their comfort without necessarily leading to a cessation of thumb-sucking.

Choice A rationale:

It is essential for a potty chair to be small enough for the child's feet to touch the floor. This characteristic allows the child to feel more secure and stable while sitting on the potty chair. When a child's feet can touch the floor, they can push themselves up or down more easily, aiding in the potty training process. This reduces the risk of the child falling or feeling anxious while using the potty chair.

Choice B rationale:

A potty chair that is supportive of the child's back and arms is crucial for maintaining the child's comfort and stability during the potty training process. Proper back and arm support encourages correct posture and helps the child feel more at ease while using the potty chair. This can contribute to a positive potty training experience and prevent discomfort or strain.

Choice C rationale:

A sturdy and stable potty chair is essential to ensure the child's safety and prevent accidents. A stable potty chair reduces the risk of tipping over, which can be frightening for the child and lead to reluctance in using the chair. Stability is paramount for the child's confidence and successful potty training.

Choice E rationale:

A potty chair that can be taken apart easily is advantageous for cleaning and storage. Potty training can be messy, and having a chair that can be disassembled simplifies the cleaning process. Additionally, easy disassembly makes it convenient to store the potty chair when it's not in use, helping to keep the bathroom or living space organized.

Choice D rationale:

A potty chair made of plastic or fiberglass is not necessarily a crucial characteristic. While these materials are commonly used due to their ease of cleaning, durability, and cost-effectiveness, the composition of the potty chair is not as important as the other characteristics mentioned. The key features for potty chair selection are related to safety, comfort, and ease of use.