The primary school years

The primary school years are a time of exciting developments which, for the watching parent, can seem pure magic.

It is now that your child refines their physical skills such as balance, running, jumping, bicycling, and swimming. They become a tree climber and an adventurer reveling in their physical prowess. Their minds are intoxicated with newly learned logic and a better understanding of ideas like past, present and future. They memorise facts and figures and want to know how things work. They start to take account of other points of view.

They are also learning how to manage their emotions and be less impulsive. Their temperament stabilises and their personality becomes clear: thinker, doer, quick tempered or calm. Finally, they are acquiring values and beliefs. They start to think about the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. Instead of simply following parental rules they develop a conscience.

These important developmental years are also known as the middle years of childhood. Not only are children growing physically, but also important social, emotional, and cognitive development is occurring. Children are learning a lot about themselves during these years. They can also be subject to mood swings.

It is through this learning experience that children acquire strong or weak self-esteem. Getting along well with other children is vital to the development of strong self-esteem as is becoming skilled at the games and rituals of childhood. Providing a loving and supportive family life is also vital to good self-esteem as is parental approval for children's achievements at school, home and on the playing field and clubs.

Up until now children have learnt to obey rules and leave it to others to monitor their behaviour. Now they start to internalise the rules of what is good and bad and to make them their own conscience. They start to set their own standards and be able to manage their behaviour on that basis rather than personal impulse and desire.

As a parent you should understand and encourage these developmental trends and make sure that your child feels loved.

In particular;

  • Encourage the growth of your child's self-esteem and confidence.
  • Work at making your relationship with them supportive and caring.
  • Develop good communication between you and your child. 


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