Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

A child is highly concerned about the rules of a game and reacts strongly when losing. What is the most likely age of this child?

1. 2

2. 4

3. 7

4. 13

The correct answer is: 7

The child in question, who shows a strong concern for the rules of a game and reacts intensely to losing, is most likely around 7 years old. At this age, children begin to develop a clearer understanding of rules and fairness in games, as their cognitive skills allow them to grasp more complex concepts about winning and losing. Seven-year-olds also exhibit a heightened emotional response to competitive situations because they are exploring their social identity and developing a sense of competence. Children around this age often can differentiate between what is fair or unfair in a game, and their reactions can be quite passionate if they feel those rules have been violated or if they perceive a loss as unjust. This emotional investment reflects their growing ability to appreciate the dynamics of competition and social interactions. Younger children, such as those who are 2 or 4 years old, are generally more focused on the act of play itself rather than the structured rules or competition, as their cognitive development has not yet reached a point where they fully understand or appreciate the significance of rules. Teenagers, like those around 13, typically have a more nuanced view of competition, which includes coping strategies for winning and losing, making intense reactions less common compared to the younger child. Thus, a 7-year-old