Middle Childhood (6-8 years old)

Positive Parenting

• Show affection for your child. Recognize her accomplishments.
• Help your child develop a sense of responsibility—ask him to help with household tasks, such as setting the table.
• Talk with your child about school, friends, and things she looks forward to in the future.
• Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage him to help people in need.
• Help your child set her own achievable goals—she’ll learn to take pride in herself and rely less on approval or reward from others.
• Make clear rules and stick to them, such as how long your child can watch TV or when he has to go to bed. Be clear about what behavior is okay and what is not okay.
• Help your child learn patience by letting others go first or by finishing a task before going out to play. Encourage him to think about possible consequences before acting.
• Do fun things together as a family, such as playing games, reading, and going to events in your community.
• Get involved with your child’s school. Meet the teachers and staff to understand the learning goals and how you and the school can work together to help your child do well.
• Continue reading to your child. As your child learns to read, take turns reading to each other.
• Use discipline to guide and protect your child, rather than punishment to make her feel badly about herself.
• Support your child in taking on new challenges. Encourage him to solve problems, such as a disagreement with another child, on his own.

Child Safety First

More physical ability and more independence can put children at risk for injuries from falls and other accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of death from unintentional injury among children this age.

• Protect your child properly in the car. For detailed information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families.
• Teach your child to watch traffic and how to be safe when walking to school, riding a bike, and playing outside.
• Make sure your child understands water safety, and always supervise her when she’s swimming or playing near water.
• Supervise your child when he’s engaged in risky activities, such as climbing.
• Talk with your child about how to ask for help when she needs it.
• Keep potentially harmful household products, tools, equipment, and firearms out of your child’s reach.