School Age (5+ Years Adjusted Age)

Ready, Set, Grow! Welcome to the school years, where your child’s world expands with new adventures and discoveries! Encourage their curiosity with sports, hobbies, and activities that spark joy and build skills. Help them navigate their school journey with love, support, and plenty of encouragement. Engage in open conversations, read exciting stories together, and foster a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Remember, your involvement and positive reinforcement will help them thrive both academically and socially, creating a happy and healthy foundation for their future.

Activities

Physical Activities

Sports and Exercise: Encourage participation in sports and regular physical activities to develop motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness.

Hobbies and Interests: Support your child’s interests and hobbies. Provide opportunities for them to explore different activities and find what they enjoy.

Attention & Executive Function

Focus and Organization: Engage your child in activities that require focus and organization, such as puzzles, building projects, and strategic games. Also, teach planning and time management skills.

Communication

Effective Communication: Encourage open and honest communication. Teach active listening, clear expression of thoughts and feelings, and respectful conversation.

Literacy Skills: Continue to develop literacy skills through reading, writing, and discussions. Introduce age-appropriate books and encourage regular reading habits.

Social Stories: A social story is a learning tool that helps to support the safe and meaningful exchange of information from a parent, teacher, or professional to a child. Social stories depict everyday situations that your child may find difficult, confusing, or unable to navigate independently. A social story usually consists of a short story depicted by images and simple words. For example, a social story of how to ride a bike may include a story of a child riding a bike for the first time and the challenges they faced. This would be helpful to read to a child who may be nervous about trying to ride a bike so that they understand what they can expect from the story. Social stories may be helpful in the following situations:
- When kids are having trouble regulating their emotions, social stories may be beneficial in explaining that everyone feels upset sometimes and outlining appropriate responses.
- To help teach a child appropriate social cues and routines.
- When learning a new bathroom routine.
- Leading up to and following the first day of school or a new environment.

School

Academic Skills: Support your child’s academic development by providing a conducive learning environment, helping with homework, and communicating with teachers.

School Involvement: Encourage involvement in school activities, clubs, and events to foster a sense of community and belonging.

Recommendations

Behavior Management: Use consistent and fair behavior management techniques. Set clear boundaries, enforce rules, and use appropriate and constructive consequences.
Self-Care for Parents: Take care of your own well-being. Ensure you have time for self-care, relaxation, and activities that rejuvenate you. A healthy parent is better equipped to support their child!

Routine and Structure: Establish and maintain routines to provide structure and stability. Consistent schedules help children feel secure and understand expectations.
Parental Involvement: Stay involved in your child’s activities, education, and social life. Provide guidance, support, and encouragement while allowing them to develop independence!
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. Praise efforts and accomplishments to build confidence and self-esteem.
Health and Well-being: Prioritize your child’s physical and mental health. Schedule regular check-ups, encourage healthy habits, and provide emotional support.
Parent-Child Interactions: Engage in meaningful interactions with your child. Spend quality time together, listen actively, and show interest in their thoughts and feelings.