Growing Up - Boy Edition

There are many cognitive changes that happen for little boys ages 6-8. (And another one from 8-12!) I’ve noticed these changes are pretty dramatic. This is a time when they stop being toddlers - for reals - and start turning into a real big kids! Some of these changes are not easy, and you can notice that they are struggling to let go of their babyish ways and gain independence.

Kids Central has some suggestions for parents:

What Parents Can Do

These activities and suggestions can help children at this stage in their social and emotional development:

• Encourage your child to join school and community groups, such as a sports team, or to take advantage of volunteer opportunities.

• Talk to your child about peer pressure, and discuss any concerns about friends and their behavior.

• Help your child set their own achievable goals, which will help them develop pride and become more independent in completing household tasks and schoolwork.

• Talk with your child about respecting others and helping others, thereby developing a sense of empathy and understanding.

• Encourage your child to think about possible consequences before acting.

• Always praise your child for good behavior, and always recognize their accomplishments.

• Talk to your child about what to do when others are disrespectful or unkind.

• Be affectionate and honest with your child, and do activities as a family.

• Support your child’s interest in the world by providing opportunities for activities such as building things, visiting the zoo or planting a garden.

• Help your child develop their sense of right or wrong. Caution them about risky things friends might try to coax them to do.

• Meet the families of your child’s friends.

• Talk with your child about the normal physical and emotional changes of puberty.

• Notice how your child is responding to changes they or their friends are experiencing.