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Your Growing Child | School-Age (6 to 12 Years)

your-growing-child-school-age

HOW MUCH WILL MY CHILD GROW?

While all children may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for school-aged children six to twelve years old:

  • weight: average gain of about 5 to 7 pounds a year
  • height: average growth of about 2.5 inches per year

WHAT CAN MY CHILD DO AT THIS AGE?

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child develops. While children may progress at different rates and have diverse interests, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age group:

WHAT DOES MY CHILD UNDERSTAND?

As children enter into school-age, their abilities and understanding of concepts and the world around them continue to grow. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age group:

How does my child interact with others?

A very important part of growing up is the ability to interact and socialize with others. During the school-age years, parents will see a transition in their child as he/she moves from playing alone to having multiple friends and social groups. While friendships become more important, the child is still fond of his/her parents and likes being part of a family. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:


How to help increase your school-aged child's social ability

Consider the following as ways to foster your school-aged child's social abilities:

  • offer compliments for your child being cooperative and for any personal achievements
  • help your child choose activities that are appropriate for your child's abilities
  • encourage your child to talk with you and be open with his/her feelings
  • encourage your child to read
  • help your child choose activities that are appropriate for your child's abilities
  • encourage your child to talk with you and be open with his/her feelings
  • encourage your child to read
  • encourage your child to get involved with hobbies and other activities
  • encourage physical activity
  • encourage self-discipline; expect your child to follow rules that are set
  • teach your child to respect and listen to authority figures
  • encourage your child to talk about peer pressure and help set guidelines to deal with peer pressure
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