School-Age Children Development

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Parenting tips

• If physical development appears to be outside the norm, consult your child's pediatric health care provider.
• If language skills appear to be lagging, request a speech and language evaluation.
• Maintain close communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents of friends to be aware of potential problems as they arise.
• Encourage children to express themselves openly and talk about concerns without fear of reprisal.
• While encouraging children to participate in a variety of social and physical experiences, parents should be careful not to over schedule their children's free time. Free play or simple, quiet time is important for the child not to feel constantly pushed to perform.
• Children today are exposed through the media and their peers to a vast array of issues dealing with violence, sexuality, and substance abuse. Parents are encouraged to discuss these issues openly with their children to share concerns or correct misconceptions. Setting limits may be necessary to allow children to be exposed to such issues only when they are developmentally ready to do so.