36-42 Months: It's About Trust -- Observation Record

How does the preschooler show that you are important to him?

Preschoolers imitate the adults around them by expressing similar likes, dislikes, and attitudes. They want to please and do what adults think is right. Although their caregivers are still very important to them, they're now able to feel safe when they are apart from them, because they can remember being cared for.

The preschooler might do one or more of the following:

• Do it like Mom–turn the dramatic play area into a grocery store and shop just the way he and his mother do together.
• Seek support–stay close to a familiar adult when a new home visitor or caregiver comes in.
• Look for encouragement–ask his caregiver to look at his block construction every few minutes.
• Act like a grown-up–tell a friend to "Clean up that mess!" while they play house together, using the same tone of voice he has heard at home.
• Be eager to please–try to help by putting out cups for snack or getting a sponge to wipe up spills.

How does this preschooler show that you are important to him? (Include dates.)

How does the preschooler respond to new people?

Preschoolers usually enjoy meeting new people, even in new places, and especially when they know their regular caregivers will be close by. However, since their imaginations are very active, these new experiences can sometimes be scary to them.

The preschooler might do one or more of the following:

• Show comfort with new adults–call to the parent of another child to push him on the swing at the playground.
• Use you when he needs you–hide behind his caregiver when someone with a very loud voice approaches him too quickly.
• Require your presence–sit in the dentist's chair as long as you stand next to him.
• Be ready for someone new–sit beside a new caregiver and listen to the story she brought to read aloud.
• Cling when it's too much–turn to his caregiver for support when going to a new group or visiting a new place.

In what ways does this preschooler act around new people? (Include dates.)