Care Stages: How Does My Elementary School Child Grow?

Our kids are always changing. Physically, intellectually and emotionally, we're constantly looking out for our youngsters and making sure they reach certain milestones as they grow. Starting in first grade, around the age of 6, your child may be continuing or starting to attend elementary school; making new friends; trying a variety of activities and becoming more independent.

At this stage, you might consider whether a different type of child care may be needed. For instance, your 6- or 7-year-old child may have been happy and thriving at a small in-home daycare when she was a preschooler, but now that she's in grade school, she might benefit more from the social stimulation and challenge of a daycare center or even an energetic teenage babysitter.

Key developmental topics for parents of kids ages 6 to 7 years

• Stress

According the the American Academy of Pediatrics, even very young children can feel stress -- watch out for changes in your child's behavior during or after major events such as divorce, death of a family member or friend, bullying or starting a new school.

If you feel your child is stressed, you can:

• Try to ease his anxiety by letting him know he can talk to you at any time.
• Make sure his week isn't overscheduled and that it allows for some "downtime."
• Remember that a moderate amount of stress is good: it can motivate your child to work harder and participate more fully in school and play.
• But if your child is showing signs of severe stress such as ongoing stomach or headaches, crying jags or falling grades, take him to the pediatrician or family doctor for a consultation.
• Diet

In the U.S., more that 9 million children are affected by obesity.

• Make sure your elementary school-aged child has a healthy view of nutrition, diet, and food.
• You can also ensure that caregivers are aware of nutritious eating with the official food pyramid which can be found at teamnutrition.usda.gov
• Schedule

Make sure your child's day isn't over-scheduled. When attending school and/or after-school care, kids need some downtime too. According to KidsHealth.org, possible signs that your little one is over-scheduled include:

• Feeling tired, anxious or depressed
• Complaining of headaches or stomachaches which may be a sign of stress or missed sleep
• Falling behind in school work causing their grades to drop
• Bedtime

Bedtime might change due to maturity, play dates, trips or evening activities.

• Try your best to keep a regular bedtime routine with your youngster, that includes: a consistent "lights out" time; winding down about 30 prior to bedtime with lowered lights, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, and reading a story.
• Remind your child how important a good night's sleep is for everyone -- including parents!
• Safety

According to Health Canada, injury is the leading cause of death for children and teens in Canada and many of these injuries occur in the home. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and safe home for you and your school-aged children:

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Keep children away from cooking areas and always watch pots and pans on the stove
• Be prepared in case of an emergency -- have a fire safety plan and share it with babysitters, nannies, caregivers, visitors and grandparents
• Stay abreast of car seat needs and changes and keep all caregivers and teachers who transport your child in-the-know

Here's to fun and fulfilling years with your 6- and 7-year-old!

Lisa Tabachnick Hotta writes about parenting and other issues for Care.com. A freelance writer, editor and researcher, she has two young children.