The six to eight year old child goes through many changes. At this stage, the children know how to take care of themselves in some ways. This includes dressing themselves, tying their shoelaces, and catching balls with their hands only. The focus now is to develop independence from parents. As school starts and friendships become more significant, children learn to interact with the big world. During this time, social, physical, and mental skills develop at a quick pace. Children have the opportunity to develop confidence through schoolwork, sports, and friends.
The child experiences many changes on many levels. Emotional and changes include growing independence from parents, awareness of the future, desire to be admired among friends, more attention to teamwork, and a stronger understanding of what is right and what is wrong. Mental changes during this period of development include mental skill development, increased ability to talk about feelings, growing concern for others.
Because of the many changes, parents need to be aware and act accordingly. This is what you can do to support your child during this stage of middle childhood.
- Talk with your child about his or her friends and school.
- Encourage your child to respect and help people in need.
- Give your child affection.
- Help your child set attainable goals.
- Recognize your child’s accomplishments.
- Help your child develop responsibility through helping with household chores.
- Establish clear rules and follow them.
- Participate in fun things as a family. Play games and attend events together.
- Get involved with school. Meet your child’s teachers and classmates.
- Use discipline as guidance for your child, not as punishment.
- Encourage your child to reach solutions independently (when appropriate).
- Support your child when he or she wants to set new goals.
- Encourage your child’s patience by permitting him or her to play only after finishing a certain task.
- Always read to your child. When your child knows how to read, take turns reading to each other.
As your child becomes increasingly independent and physically active, he or she becomes increasingly prone to injuries. Motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of death from unintentional circumstances for children in this age group. Many other forms of accidents also exist. To avoid harm, take these precautions.
- Teach your child about traffic safety, including crossing streets, walking to school, etc.
- Make sure your child complies with safety regulations while in the car.
- Keep an eye on a child that is engaged in potentially dangerous activities, like climbing.
- Let your child know how to ask for help from others when he or she needs it.
- Make sure your child knows about water safety. Always be near and available when he or she is in or around a swimming pool.
- Make sure that no possibly dangerous products are within reach of your child in the house. Your child should not have access to firearms, chemicals, tools, and more.
A nine to eleven year old shows growing signs of independence from the family. A child of this age leans on friends more and more. Healthy friendships are critical for development. While friends can be a very positive influence during this period, the child is also confronted by peer pressure, which can be a strong influence during this time. It is important to help enhance your child’s sense of responsibility and importance; this will help him or her to resist peer pressure and avoid potentially negative situations. Puberty is another huge milestone nine to eleven years olds may start to confront. It is a bigger issue for girls.
Parents need to support their children during this challenging period of middle childhood. To do so, they need to be aware of the different aspects of growth and development that take place. During this time, a child:
- Feels more independent from family.
- Grows closer to friends. Same sex friendships blossom.
- Faces increasing peer pressure.
- Deals with more academic challenges.
- Gains body awareness as puberty rolls along. Eating and body image issues may start or heighten at this stage.
As a parent, you need to support your child at this stage of development. You need to help him or her build a sense of independence, self-confidence, and responsibility. Follow these steps to help you.
- Promote open communication. Listen as your child speaks about friends, school, challenges, and more.
- Play a role in your child’s school. Attend events and meet teachers.
- Support your child to as he or she joins school and community groups.
- Help the development of right and wrong in your child. Discuss risky behavior like smoking.
- Meet the parents (and siblings) of your child’s friends.
- Teach your child the importance of respecting others and helping people in need. Also, talk about reactions to disrespectful behavior.
- Promote the development of the sense of responsibility in the child. Involve child in household duties and teach him or her about spending and saving money.
- Set clear and straightforward rules. Make sure that you consistently stick to them.
- Discuss the emotional and physical changes of puberty with your child.
- Use discipline as a guide and form of protection, rather than punishment.
- Do things as a family unit.
- Show affection to your child and act as a positive role model.
- Help your child set goals.
- Encourage everyday reading.
Further, parents need to be very cautious about the safety of their kids during this phase of development. Since motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among kids at this stage, make sure you protect your child in the car. Kids less than 12 years of age should ride in the back seat with a seat belt fastened. Always keep track of where your child is and if an adult will be around to supervise. If you will not be present, make sure you plan a calling schedule, and know when he or she will get home.
From the ages of twelve to fourteen, a child experiences many different physical, emotional, mental, and social changes. This period of early adolescence is marked by the start of puberty. The voices of boys deepen, as they grow pubic and facial hair. Girls start menstruating at this stage; they also grow breasts and pubic hair. These changes may affect the way they think about themselves. Further, this sensitive stage is also a time of heightened peer pressure to use drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and to engage in sexual activity. Other problems that may affect teens at this age include family issues, depression, and eating disorders. Stress is on the increase, as they make more of their decisions about school, friends, sports, and other issues in their lives. In general, the different changes they go through include:
- Increased emphasis on looks, body image, and clothing
- Periods of moodiness and lack of confidence
- Focus on friends
- Increased ability for complex thought
- Anxiety from homework
- Loss of interest in parents
- A deeper understanding of right and wrong
- Eating problems
- Improved ability to express emotions through talking
The ages of twelve to fourteen can be very difficult. Parents need to support their kids. Trust is essential. Even though your child will become increasingly independent, he or she should feel your support. In order to safeguard your child’s interests, while giving her or him the space in which to grow, do the following:
- Speak to your teenager about drinking, smoking, drugs, and sex.
- Get to know your child’s friends.
- Make sure you eat together as a family. Mealtime is important.
- Ask your teen about school life.
- Promote exercise and helping around the house.
- Promote independent decision-making, but help your teenager make choices.
- Show respect toward your child’s opinions and feelings.
Physical safety is also of prime concern during this stage of life. Twelve to fourteen year olds are often the victim of motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, and more. With peer pressure playing a prevalent role in the lives of teens today, parents need to be very cautious about their kids, in terms of friends, activities, and habits. In order to keep your child safe, follow these precautions.
- Make sure your child wears a helmet while riding a bicycle, motorcycle, and all-terrain vehicle.
- Remind your teen about the importance of wearing seatbelts.
- Be open while talking to your teenager about the dangers of drinking, smoking, drugs, and sex. Ask about what he or she knows about these issues. Also, ask about his or her thoughts. Further, let your child know about your thoughts and feelings. Answer all questions directly.
- Tell your child about the importance of having friends who are involved in positive activities. Teach your child to avoid peers who promote unhealthy behavior.
- Set regulations for your teen when he or she is alone at home. Discuss issues like having friends over, emergencies, and more.
- Keep track of where your teenager is and if there is an adult around.
A fifteen to seventeen year old goes through many changes. This stage of middle adolescence is marked by many different cognitive, physical, mental, and sexual developments. Girls are usually physically mature by this time; most will have gone through puberty. Boys may still be maturing on the physical level. Body size and weight are common issues that a teenager deals with. Eating disorders may manifest at this point, especially among female teens. This stage is also important because a teenager is developing a unique personality. Even though relationships with friends are important, teenagers will have broader interests as self-identity becomes clearer. This is also a time of increased responsibility, as many teens start working and eventually leave home after high school. Other changes in teens include:
- Less frequent conflicts with parents
- More independence from parents
- Heightened interest in the opposite sex
- Development of closer relationships
- Increase in time spent with peers
- Less time spent with parents and family
- Improved work habits
- Greater interest in educational and vocational future
- Depression and sadness
A fifteen to seventeen year old needs the support of parents. In order to support your child, you can:
- Spend quality time with your teen doing things he or she enjoys.
- Recognize your child’s efforts and accomplishments.
- Show respect toward your child’s opinions. Do not play down his or her opinions.
- Respect the fact that your child needs privacy.
- Ask your child about school and activities. Promote involvement in music, art, theater, and sports.
- Promote your child’s involvement in volunteer and civic opportunities.
- Make sure you show your teen love and affection. Dedicate time to doing things you both enjoy together.
- Encourage your teenager to eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise regularly.
- Give your teen chances to problem solve as situations arise. Be available to share advice. Teach your child the importance of problem solving.
- Discuss uncomfortable situations with your child. Help him or her plan ahead when it comes to drug use among his friends, as well as pressure to have sex, and more.
- Talk to your child about the possible dangers of the Internet. Promote discipline when it comes to time spent in chat rooms, games, and so forth.
- Focus on talking about responsibility, plans, and respectful behavior to a teenager that works.
- Make sure that you encourage your teenager to have meals with the family. By eating together, you can teach your child about healthy food choices and about the importance of having quality time with family. A teenager who eats with his or her family has a better chance of doing well in school and staying away from drugs and alcohol.
Further, make sure that your child practices safety measures while driving, riding in a car, playing sports, and in other situations.
- Make sure your child knows about the importance of wearing a seatbelt in a car.
- Emphasize safe driving practices, like obeying speed limits and refraining from drunk driving.
- Set rules on when your child can use the car.
- Make sure your teenager is comfortable to call you when he or she is out of the house.