At school-age, children begin to care about fitting into the wider social world. They try to understand the rules of life, morals, manners and family values. During this time, your role as a parent is as important as ever. Home life and family relationships continue to be the biggest influence on your child’s development. Learn more about helping your child to understand the world around them:  

Communication is fundamental to building a positive relationship with your child. Not only does it create a bond between you, it also builds your child’s self-esteem and helps open up conversations about their hopes and fears. In this section, learn more about connecting with your child:

• Active Listening for Children
• Connecting With Your School-age Child
• Conversation Skills Children talking and Listening
• Don't Stop Having Conversations With Kids
• Explaining Alcohol to Kids
• Practising Good Listening With Kids
• Talking About Tough Topics
• Why Talking is Important

Self-esteem and resiliency can be tenuous in school-age children. Having conversations with your children about challenges that they face is a good way to build these qualities. Learn more about building your child’s resilience:

• About Self Esteem and Children
• Building Kids Resilience
• Conversations that Teach Children Resilience
• Self-Esteem, Ages 6 to 10             

Children adapt to many new situations and routines when they start attending school. Learn more about your child and school:

• Friends and Friendship
• Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills
• Quick Tips: Using Backpacks Safely
• Sample School Plan
• School Mornings

Children need to develop problem-solving skills so they can consider opinions and find solutions. Learn more about developing skills and strategies to help your child solve problems:

• Problem Solving for Children
• Problem Solving Strategies

It can feel uncomfortable to discuss sexuality with your child. But as a parent, you are the ideal teacher to help your child learn about sex. Explaining details of sexuality in an open and honest way encourages a positive attitude toward a natural process. Learn more about Helping Your School-Age Child Learn About the Body.            

Parents who set limits for their children show them that they love and care about them. Learn about Establishing Limits With Your School-Age Child. 

Learn about establishing a dental hygiene routine for your child. Visit Dental Care for School-Age Children.

Bedwetting can be upsetting, especially for an older child. Your child may feel bad and be embarrassed. You can help by being loving and supportive.

Last Updated: June 2021