CPN Child Development & Behavior 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A child consistently refuses to follow requests, argues with adults, and loses their temper frequently for more than six months. A nanny should:
- Ignore the behavior as typical toddler defiance
- Apply harsher punishments immediately
- Document the behaviors and discuss concerns with the parents (Correct answer)
- Assume the child has a conduct disorder and inform the school
Correct answer: Document the behaviors and discuss concerns with the parents
Persistent, pervasive oppositional behaviors lasting over six months warrant documentation and a conversation with parents, who can pursue professional evaluation.
Question 2: Which type of play involves children playing near each other but not interacting directly?
- Cooperative play
- Associative play
- Parallel play (Correct answer)
- Solitary play
Correct answer: Parallel play
Parallel play, common between ages 2–3, involves children playing alongside peers without direct interaction or shared goals.
Question 3: A 2-year-old uses the word 'doggie' to describe all four-legged animals. This language pattern is called:
- Underextension
- Overextension (Correct answer)
- Telegraphic speech
- Fast mapping
Correct answer: Overextension
Overextension occurs when a child applies a word too broadly — using 'doggie' for cats, horses, and cows as well as dogs.
Question 4: Which attachment style is associated with a caregiver who is consistently unresponsive to an infant's needs?
- Secure attachment
- Avoidant (insecure-avoidant) attachment (Correct answer)
- Anxious-ambivalent attachment
- Disorganized attachment
Correct answer: Avoidant (insecure-avoidant) attachment
Avoidant attachment develops when caregivers are consistently unresponsive, leading infants to suppress emotional needs and show little distress at separation.
Question 5: What does the term 'scaffolding' mean in the context of child development?
- Providing physical climbing structures for gross motor development
- Building rigid routines children must follow
- Offering temporary support that is gradually removed as the child gains competence (Correct answer)
- Rewarding children with praise to reinforce behavior
Correct answer: Offering temporary support that is gradually removed as the child gains competence
Scaffolding, derived from Vygotsky's work, involves adjusting support to match a child's current level and withdrawing it as mastery develops.
Question 6: An 8-month-old cries when a toy is hidden under a blanket and does not search for it. This suggests the infant has not yet developed:
- Fine motor skills
- Object permanence (Correct answer)
- Language comprehension
- Gross motor coordination
Correct answer: Object permanence
Object permanence — understanding that objects exist when out of sight — typically develops between 4–8 months according to Piaget.
Question 7: Which approach best describes 'authoritative parenting' as defined by Diana Baumrind?
- High demands with low warmth and strict punishment
- Low demands with high warmth and few rules
- High demands combined with high warmth, reasoning, and responsiveness (Correct answer)
- Inconsistent discipline with unpredictable boundaries
Correct answer: High demands combined with high warmth, reasoning, and responsiveness
Authoritative parenting balances clear expectations with warmth and open communication, and is associated with the best outcomes for child development.
CPN Child Development & Behavior 3
A child consistently refuses to follow requests, argues with adults, and loses their temper frequently for more than six months.
A nanny should: