Developmental Stage School Age Children

As your child approaches school-age, there are many choices for education.  Your family may be considering the neighborhood public school, a nearby charter school, a virtual school, or even home-schooling.  You may need to consider after-school care, budgeting, and carpooling.  Not every school environment is a good fit for every school-aged child.  You are your child’s best teacher, and you will find your child’s perfect learning environment.  

If your young child is heading off to school for the first time, the separation can be both difficult and exciting.  This age is marked by significant changes, both physically and intellectually. During this stage, children experience rapid growth in height, weight, and muscle development. It is essential to ensure that they continue to eat a balanced diet, which may mean packing a lunch every day. Proper nutrition promotes healthy bone development, strengthens the immune system, and enhances overall physical well-being. Engaging in regular exercise, sports, and outdoor activities not only promotes physical health but also enhances cognitive abilities, social skills, and self-confidence. We like to encourage the 5-1-1-0 Daily Rule which is defined by 5 or more servings of fruit and veggies, 1 or less hours of screen time (including, tv, phone or video games), 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugar-sweetened beverages every day.  

School-aged children show remarkable growth and advancements in their cognitive abilities, including attention span, memory, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Engaging them in challenging activities, encouraging curiosity, and providing opportunities to explore different subjects are effective ways to promote cognitive development.  Children are like a giant sponge at this stage, soaking up information at every moment.  A story at bedtime is always a great routine!

Your child may become a reader, a Scout, an athlete, a dancer, a gardener, or a member of the chess club.  School-aged children become more aware of choices and begin to develop a sense of identity. They start to form friendships and navigate complex social interactions. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment at home and away is crucial for their emotional well-being.  Moral, emotional, and ethical development should be nurtured during the school-aged years. This is the period when children start to develop their own sense of values and principles. By surrounding them with positive role models, teaching them about empathy and respect, and encouraging them to make responsible choices, parents can help to shape their emotional and mental development, encouraging  them to become compassionate, responsible, and respectful individuals.

School-aged children?  You got this!