by Katarzyna Radzka

Created on: September 09, 2010

Parenting is a hard job. It’s probably one of the hardest jobs in the world and the one that gets the least recognition. Elementary school children are at an age where they have a lot of questions, they experience new things and are sometimes difficult to keep under control. Parenting during elementary school years builds a foundation for the teenage years and beyond.

1 – Set a schedule for your children. Elementary school aged children should know when it’s time to go to school, time for sports and play, as well as time for homework, dinner and bedtime. A set schedule will help them develop a routine which is helpful in parenting your elementary school aged child.

2 – Allow time for play every single day. Children are supposed to play. They should have fun and spend lots of time laughing and carrying on. Of course there are limits. Rather than pushing for homework and school grades all the time, allow for at least two hours of play time each day. The majority should be spent outside in the fresh air. It’s important for your elementary school child to be active outside of school hours in order to maintain good health.

3 – Teach discipline from an early age. It’s much easier to teach discipline to elementary school children than it is to teenagers. Young children learn much quicker and can be better guided. Now is the time to teach discipline. Make your children aware of their responsibilities and make them fulfill them completely before moving on. Punishment that suits the misdemeanor should also be used though you should never use physical punishment. If your child doesn’t clean up their toys after playtime than the next time don’t let them use them.

4 – Delegate house chores to your elementary school aged children. Chores help raise responsible children. Don’t teach your children that someone will do everything for them. That’s not how life works. If you want them to help you in the future it’s important that you delegate some chores to them. Have them set the table before dinner. Make sure they make their bed every morning. Teach them how to clean their bedroom every week. Set them certain days to walk the family dog or take out the trash.

5 – Spend quality time together. Spending time with your children is one of the most important parts of parenting. Nowadays many parents don’t spend nearly enough time with their children. There are always other things that need doing – cooking, cleaning, working, and washing. Make time every single day to divert 100% of your attention to your children. Even if it’s only fifteen minutes that you are only focused on them and they will feel better loved and cared for. Eat dinner together every day as a family. At weekends spend at least one afternoon doing something together. Go to the park, visit a museum, play football in the backyard.

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