During your child’s early elementary years, changes occur in all areas of development. Below are some typical changes you might see in your child.
You may notice that your 6-8 year-old:
- Has an increasingly strong interest in social relationships
- Is the center of his or her universe
- Tells stories about other children at school
- Feels the need to be praised
- Loves to play make-believe
- Has an increasing attention span
- Is more interested in the rules of a game
- Socializes with same-sex playmates
- Can use scissors and other small tools
- Is losing baby teeth
- Has an improved sense of balance
- Can print his or her name and tie shoes
- Enjoys planning and designing
- Has a rapidly growing vocabulary
- Has improved problem-solving ability
- Understands time and days of the week
- Speaks understandably in full sentences
- Knows his or her address and phone number
- Can ride a bike and use large muscle groups
Spending Time With Your School-Age Child
Today’s families are busier than ever before. Even though your child is becoming increasingly independent, here are few simple tips for making sure children get the attention they need.
- Play together. Let him show you the rules of the game or give you an idea of what he wants to play. Follow your child’s lead.This will help him build his social skills while allowing time to bond
- Eat together. Instead of having dinner in front of the TV or separately have a meal without distractions from the food and each other. This is a great time to ask your child about her day.
- Support Your Child’s Interests. Attend her sports practices and games and cheer her on! If there is a certain subject she seems interested in, help her learn more about it by taking her on a “field trip” to the library and researching it together.
- Make use of in-between times. Use the time in the car or in waiting rooms to talk, sing, or tell jokes to each other. Read a magazine or book together and talk about the things you learn.
- Create a new tradition. Make a ritual out of something ordinary with your child. Have a special handshake or saying you give each other when you say goodbye. Designate special times of the week for just you and your child to have some time together.
