School Age (age 5-9 years)
How did this happen? Your preschooler has somehow become a
full-fledged elementary school student. It's easier in some ways --
they have so much more self control. They're more cooperative and
affectionate.
But this is where things get complicated. You're just
living your life, trying to hold a busy household together and get
dinner on the table, while your child is shaping into the person he or
she will become.
It may seem like you just finished toilet-training, but the tween years are right around the corner. Take advantage of these sweet, reasonable, elementary years while you still have so much influence on your child.
Positive Parenting Gameplan: Age 5 to 9
How did your baby become a real kid, with her own life? These are the years when your child lays the foundation for school success, peer friendships, and her own character. Here's your gameplan for staying connected and helping her blossom.
Preparing Your Child for the New School Year
The last weeks of summer are already upon us, and the new school year is right around the corner. Whether you can’t wait till your kids are back in school or dread the more regimented days ahead, there’s one thing you can count on: Back to School is always a big transition for the whole family.
Ten Tips for Helping Your Child Adjust to School
So she’s off to school every morning now, like a big kid. But instead of the exuberance you expected, you find many days – especially Monday -- starting with tears, or maybe a tummy-ache. Don’t worry, it’s not unusual for kids to need a little extra help adjusting to the start of school. What can you do?
Building a Great Relationship with Your Child
The only leverage we ever really have with our children is their love for us. It's never too late to build a great relationship with your child.
Staying Connected with Your Child
Much of the same advice applies that was true when she was a toddler: Reconnect every day, and don't wait when you see there's repair work to be done.
Positive Discipline with your 5 to 9 Year Old
Because I say so!" won't work much longer. Are you unwittingly making your child more contrary by using power-based discipline methods? Your best strategy is a strong relationship, clear limits, and lots of empathy. Here's how.
Helping Your 5 to 9 Year Old Develop Good Judgment
Even if you could hover over your child and help her navigate every obstacle, it wouldn't be good for her. Here's how to help your child develop her own judgment and learn to draw on her own internal resources.
Dinner: Nurture Body & Spirit
The more frequently kids eat dinner with their families the better they do in school, the happier they say they are, and the less likely they are to get involved with drugs, alcohol, sex, or vandalism as tweens and teens. Get in the habit now and you'll find it's the best part of everyone's day!
Help Your Child Develop Emotional Intelligence
Good grades are important, but emotional and social intelligence contribute more to your child's success and happiness in life than intellectual smarts. Here's how.
Help Your Child Develop Social Skills
Six strategies every parent can use to help your child learn to make friends and get along with peers.
