The Middle Years, What to Expect: Family

What to Expect

   Child:

• Feels loved, accepted and valued in the family
• Shares feelings and experiences with family members
• Gets along with brothers and sisters most of the time
• Shares or takes turns (games, toys, TV, computer)
• Enjoys being part of the family and doing fun things together
• Helps out with simple chores, follows family rules

   Parents:

• Show love, affection, and respect
• Set aside time each day to talk and play with child
• Support and supervise child's activities
• Praise good behavior, efforts, and accomplishments
• Have family meals together as often as possible
• Arrange fun family activities
• Set reasonable rules and consequences
• Help child learn how to solve problems with brothers and sisters
• Teach child to value and celebrate family heritage

When to Seek Help

   If your child:

• Is often silent or unwilling to share feelings with family
• Does not want to join in family activities
• Stays in her room most of the time; often seems sad or sullen
• Acts angry or disrespectful with family members
• Refuses to help with chores or follow family routines (bedtime, mealtime)

   Or if you, as parents:

• Find it hard to talk with your child or spend time together
• Often feel upset or angry with your child
• Feel that your child's personality does not "fit in" with the family
• Need help resolving conflicts in your family
• Are facing major family changes or stresses (divorce, job loss, substance use)

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