Wellness Blog
Associate Therapist, Maryam Sadeghzadeh
Middle childhood, from ages 6 to 12, is a critical period of growth and self-discovery. During this time, children refine their cognitive abilities, improve physical skills, become more emotionally aware, and develop stronger social connections. As a caregiver, you play a vital role in supporting these developments and guiding your child through these formative years. In this post, we’ll explore each area of growth and provide insights on how you can nurture your child through this phase.
During middle childhood, children’s cognitive abilities grow as they develop more advanced thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. They begin to understand abstract concepts, improve their memory, and become more adept at organizing information. School becomes a central part of their lives, and they start to take on more responsibility for their learning.
How Caregivers Can Help:
Support your child’s cognitive growth by encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. Engage them in discussions about their day, ask open-ended questions, and provide opportunities for problem-solving, such as puzzles or age-appropriate challenges. Reading together regularly helps build their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Encourage them to explore their interests through extracurricular activities or hobbies. Be present for homework and school projects, not by doing it for them, but by helping them structure their time and develop good study habits. Your involvement shows that you value learning and helps them stay motivated.
As children grow physically, their motor skills become more refined, and they gain strength and stamina. This period is also marked by an increasing interest in sports, outdoor play, and activities that require coordination. Physical fitness becomes crucial for overall health, and habits formed in these years can last a lifetime.
How Caregivers Can Help:
Encourage regular physical activity, whether through organized sports, free play, or family outings that involve physical movement, like hiking or biking. Balance is important—allow them to experiment with different activities to find what they enjoy, whether it's team sports or individual pursuits like swimming or dancing. Focus on fun rather than competition, especially when they’re still learning. Limit screen time to promote active play, and ensure they have a healthy, balanced diet that supports their growing bodies. Positive reinforcement around physical achievements builds confidence and encourages a lifelong commitment to fitness.
In middle childhood, children become more emotionally aware and begin to understand and regulate their emotions better. They start grappling with feelings of self-esteem, competition, and personal achievement. This stage also introduces more complex social dynamics, such as peer pressure, which can impact emotional health.
How Caregivers Can Help:
Caregivers can support emotional development by being available to talk through their child’s feelings, providing a safe space to express emotions openly. Encourage your child to articulate how they feel and help them identify solutions to problems or challenges. Teaching emotional regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or taking a break, helps them manage stress. Be patient and reinforce that making mistakes is part of learning, and encourage resilience by praising effort and perseverance, not just outcomes. By modeling healthy emotional responses, you teach them how to handle emotions constructively.
Social relationships become increasingly important during middle childhood, as children form close friendships and learn to work in teams. They develop a sense of belonging within peer groups and start to navigate complex social situations, such as inclusion, exclusion, and collaboration. Social skills like empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution become essential.
How Caregivers Can Help:
Foster social development by encouraging positive friendships and supporting your child in developing healthy communication skills. Set up playdates, involve them in group activities like clubs or sports, and encourage teamwork. Help them navigate conflicts by teaching them how to resolve issues with peers through open dialogue and empathy. Discuss the importance of kindness, respect, and setting boundaries in relationships. Be aware of their peer dynamics and, if needed, offer guidance on handling peer pressure or bullying. Model positive social interactions in your own relationships, as children often learn by observing adults.
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