Here are some changes your
child may go through during middle
childhood:
Emotional/Social Changes:-
* More independence from parents and family.
* Stronger sense of right and wrong.
* Beginning awareness of the future.
* Growing understanding about one’s place in the world.
* More attention to friendships and teamwork.
* Growing desire to be liked and accepted by friends.
Mental/Cognitive Changes:-
* Rapid development of mental skills.
* Greater ability to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and feelings.
* Less focus on one’s self and more concern for others.
POSITIVE PARENTING:-
* Show affection for your child. Recognize her accomplishments.
* Help your child develop a sense of responsibility. Ask him to help with
household tasks, such as setting the table.
* Talk with your child about school, friends, and things she looks forward
to in the future.
* Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage him to help people
in need.
* Help your child set her own achievable goals. She’ll learn to take
pride in herself and rely less on approval or reward
from others.
* Make clear rules and stick to them, such as how long your child can watch
TV or when he has to go to bed. Be clear about
what behavior is okay and what is not okay.
* Help your child learn patience by letting others go first or by finishing
a task before going out to play. Encourage him to think
about possible consequences before acting. Do fun things together as
a family, such as playing games, reading, and going
to events in your community.
* Get involved with your child’s school. Meet the teachers and staff
to understand the learning goals and how you
and the school can work together
to help your child do well. Continue reading to your child. As your child
learns to read, take turns reading to each other. Use discipline to guide
and protect your child, rather than
punishment to make her feel badly about herself.
* Support your child in taking on new challenges. Encourage him to solve
problems, such as a disagreement with
another child, on his own.
CHILD SAFETY FIRST:- More physical ability
and more independence can put children at risk for injuries from
falls and other accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause
of death from unintentional injury among children
this age.
* Protect your child properly in the car.
* Teach your child to watch traffic and how to
be safe when walking to school, riding
a bike, and playing outside.
* Make sure your child understands water safety,
and always supervise her when she’s swimming or
playing near water.
* Supervise your child when he’s engaged
in risky activities, such as climbing.
* Talk with your child about how to ask for help
when she needs it.
* Keep potentially harmful household products,
tools, equipment, and firearms out of your child’s reach.
