ABSTRACT
The nursery age child is venturing out, expanding horizons and building a sense of independence. There is movement away from the orbit of the parents, carers, and the physical confines and rhythms of the home environment. The nursery age child can become convinced that to step off the carpeted area of the stairs will result in his getting bitten by the monster that the child believes lives on and rules the stairs. The puppy the child had been happily playing with, even looking after, can suddenly become an object of terror when the puppy starts to bark. The child gets to know neighbours, people in the community who share similar cultural and leisure activities with his parents, and friends of the family, including friends of his brothers and sisters. His world is further expanded by attending a nursery school and learning how to relate to teachers and other school staff.
