School-age children development

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School age child development

• If physical development appears to be outside the norm, consult your child's pediatric provider.
• If language skills appear to be lagging, request a speech and language evaluation.
• Maintain close communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents of friends to be aware of potential problems as they arise.
• Encourage children to express themselves openly and talk about concerns without fear of reprisal.
• While encouraging children to participate in a variety of social and physical experiences, parents should be careful not to over-schedule a child's free time. Free play or simple, quiet time is important for the child not to feel constantly pushed to perform.
• Children today are exposed, through the media and their peers, to a vast array of issues dealing with violence, sexuality, and substance abuse. Parents are encouraged to discuss these issues openly with their children to share concerns or correct misconceptions. Setting limits may be necessary to ensure children will be exposed to such issues only when they are developmentally ready.
• Encourage children to participate in constructive activities such as sports, clubs, arts, music, and scouts. However, it is important not to "over schedule" your child. Try to find a balance between family time, school work, free play, and structured activities.
• School-age children should participate in family chores such as setting the table and cleaning up.

Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.