| Do you have a child between the ages of 5 and 9? | | | | 6. Don't overload. |
| That special season is a time of enormous growth and | | | | In this day of multiple after school activities, it's easy to |
| development and can be a whirlwind to observe. I am | | | | pile on too much for the average primary-schooler. Her |
| privileged to be parenting my fourth elementary-age | | | | main 'job' is school, so give adequate time, space and |
| child. Here are some of my favorite 10 parenting tips | | | | support to homework. Once that is finished, free |
| for early school-age kids. | | | | playtime is important at this age as most kids spend |
| 1. It's a big world. | | | | several hours a day sitting at a desk and being quiet. |
| The first few years of school are exciting and | | | | 7. Family time is a priority. |
| stressful. Learning how to listen to adults besides mom | | | | Daily dinnertime together, a weekly game night, chores |
| and dad and being on their own for several hours | | | | done as a team, a quiet time reading or enjoying music |
| each day is a tremendous leap forward in a child's life. | | | | together, playing sports as a family; any of these ideas |
| As a parent, keep in mind this transition your child is | | | | and many, many more are great ways to foster a |
| moving through and be patient and understanding. | | | | sense of family in your home. Make sure you make |
| 2. Give them your confidence. | | | | together-time a priority. |
| A child this age often will doubt his abilities. Sometimes | | | | 8. Celebrate the team. |
| he will verbalize this lack of self-confidence; sometimes | | | | Kids this age need to know they are a part of |
| it stays his little secret. You can help him by sharing | | | | something bigger than themselves and the family |
| your own confidence in his abilities with him. Be | | | | structure can fill that need beautifully. Worshipping, |
| matter-of-fact about his talents and express your utter | | | | playing and working together are smart ways to build |
| confidence in him, even if you have your own set of | | | | your family's strength for the years ahead as well as |
| concerns. | | | | enjoy each other today. |
| 3. Be interested. | | | | 9. Have a family 'thing'. |
| What is your child learning about school? How did | | | | Drawing on parenting tip #8, decide on a fun hobby the |
| recess go? What is her favorite part of school? What | | | | whole family can enjoy and jump right in. You can bike, |
| is bugging her? Staying interested in your child's daily | | | | go camping, build model trains, raise bunnies, volunteer |
| life goes a long ways towards establishing a healthy | | | | in your community, or investigate the stars together. |
| on-going relationship. | | | | Trust me, nothing will build family memories easier or |
| 4. Friendships count. | | | | better than a shared family hobby. |
| An elementary-age child is learning a lot about | | | | 10. Teach personal responsibility. |
| friendships. What works and frustratingly, what doesn't. | | | | This parenting tip is vital for your child's long-term |
| They are also learning that families operate differently; | | | | well-being. And it's simple enough to instill. Chores, |
| what is a vital rule in your own family may not matter | | | | homework and learning new skills like musical |
| at all in another family. Learning that people do things | | | | instruments or sports activities are excellent ways to |
| differently is an important lesson at this stage. | | | | teach your school-aged child more and more about |
| 5. Talk values. | | | | being responsible for himself and his possessions. |
| This is the age to solidify what values are important to | | | | Now you have 10 parenting tips for elementary-age |
| your family with your child. Ideas such as: | | | | children. Each one of these tips has been time-tested |
| - We are kind. Why is this important? | | | | in my home and thousands of other homes over the |
| - We are fair, even when others are not. | | | | years. These parenting tips work...but only if you PUT |
| - We tell the truth, even when it gets us into trouble. | | | | them to work with your family. Enjoy your family more |
| These important concepts MUST be cemented in your | | | | by taking the guesswork out of parenting. Establish |
| child now if you want him to live by them when he | | | | these simple guidelines and reduce your parenting |
| gets to the teen years. | | | | stress load today. |