What to Expect in Middle Childhood Years: Respecting Self & Others

What to Expect

   Child:

• Feels good about himself and his abilities
• Is able to get over or "bounce back" from disappointments
• Learns from mistakes or failures, tries again
• Respects the rights and feelings of others, has a sense of fairness
• Has growing ability to understand another person's viewpoint
• Solves conflicts or problems by talking, not fighting

   Parents:

• Talk and listen to child with respect
• Are good role models (show understanding, kindness, patience)
• Teach child to accept and respect people's differences (ethnic, cultural, religious)
• Handle anger constructively
• Help child overcome fears and cope with stress
• Share own feelings and stories about facing fears and problems
• Respect child's growing need for privacy
• Limit exposure to media violence

When to Seek Help

   If your child:

• Feels that he lacks basic skills or abilities
• Often says negative things about self or others
• Has problems dealing with angry feelings
• Is preoccupied with violent movies, TV, computer games
• Is aggressive or tries to bully others

   Or if you, as parents:

• Worry about how your child views himself
• Often find yourself criticizing and blaming your child
• Notice that your child seems preoccupied with violence
• Have concerns about your child's exposure to abuse (physical, verbal, sexual)
• Lack confidence or have doubts about your own abilities

Click here to view the Parenting Tip of the Month Archives