Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children demonstrate a positive sense of self-identify and self-awareness.

Skill Progression: Awareness of self through emotional expressions and verbalizations

Age: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Observe the child during daily routines to see if the child discusses what he can or can’t do.

Pretend you are the child and the child is the “babysitter”. Tell the child to take care of you and make sure you follow the rules. See what the child does if you “break” the rules or do something the child might perceive as wrong (e.g., tear a paper or disobey a request).

Observe how the child “manages” the babysitting by setting rules or correcting behavior. This will reveal the child’s understanding of boundaries and rules for herself.

Help early childhood educators and parents understand that rules are important, but should be few so the child can remember them. The child needs boundaries, but she also needs to understand WHY the rules exist.