Have you just woken up one day and suddenly realized that your little one isn’t so tiny any more? When your child is old enough to start school, their needs change dramatically, as their social life and inner world become much more complex. While they’re more independent than they used to be, they also require your focus and dedication just as much as ever. You’ll need to respond to their growing demands for interaction, information, and attention.
To be successful at parenting your school-age child, you’ll need plenty of patience and perseverance. There are several areas you should be focusing on when it comes to keeping them healthy and thriving.
Nutrition
At this age, children are fairly consistent in what they do and don’t like. You can still expose them to new tastes and encourage them to try interesting food combinations. Avoid forcing them to eat when they aren’t hungry or when they don’t like certain foods.
This is a great age to start teaching them how to prepare simple meals, as this will create a good habit for later in life. Cooking together is also a fun way to bond as a family and get creative.
Make sure that most of their diet consists of nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish. However, avoid being too strict. Small amounts of sugar or processed food from time to time won’t hurt your little one.
Fitness
Children need to do vigorous exercise for at least an hour a day. While they’ll naturally get some exercise during gym class and recess at school, they probably don’t get as much physical activity as they need. It’s best to also provide them with plenty of exercise during their free time.
It’s important to expose children to different kinds of physical activity so that they can find something they love. Not all children like organized sports, and that’s okay. They may prefer playing at a trampoline park or climbing trees in your garden.
Sleep
Elementary-age kids have to get enough quality sleep to be able to keep up with their school responsibilities. Great sleep promotes cognitive development and improves concentration. They may want to stay up late, but try to keep this to a minimum because they still require 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. They won’t need to have regular naps anymore, but they may if they feel the need to. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes taking a bath and reading a bedtime story, which will help them sleep better.
Technology
Kids become increasingly interested in technology as they get older. They may ask to get their own phone or ask you to use yours all the time. They will probably want to spend most of their free time playing computer games and chatting with friends online. While children should learn how to use technology, it’s also necessary to set clear boundaries. Decide how much technology use is acceptable and set the rules for your child. For example, it’s advisable to keep devices away from their bedroom and limit screen time before going to bed.
Responsibilities
Schoolwork is your child’s main responsibility, and it may be a big source of stress in their life. Check in with them daily to monitor how they’re doing. Talk to them about their day when they come back from school and offer help if they need it.
Kids should also have other duties, such as simple housework. They may be in charge of taking out the trash, walking the dog, making their bed, and cleaning their room. This is beneficial because it teaches them discipline and responsibility.
