Stages of Motherhood: Elementary Ages

Yesterday I spoke about how wonderful and challenging it can be to have a new baby or toddler in your home.  Today I want to advance a few years and look at the elementary aged child.

Sending your child to school for the first time means you give up a little control.

It doesn’t need to mean you give up involvement or setting an example.  Maybe this isn’t the beginning of school but your child is heading for the tween years and has an early attitude of “I don’t need you” already.  There is help no need to fear!

Elementary Aged Children

Maybe you went overboard spoiling your young child and they have developed and attitude.  Maybe their behavior just doesn’t appear to have the respect behind it that you wish to see out of your child. Have a New Kid by Friday is the definite choice for you.  This book is going to help you speak to your child in a way that they understand that you are in charge of your household.  There will no longer be a need for an attitude when it doesn’t get your child any benefits.  Dr. Leman is humorous and easy to follow but he will challenge you to follow through.

The cover of this book really speaks for itself.  Sure enough your child is at an age where he or she doesn’t want to listen to you or maybe his or her friend just knows something you don’t. Parenting Isn’t for Cowards is a positive look at why you need to be firm and consistent with your children.  They are here to test your limits and without limits they will run wild.  Set limits and be  a courageous parent.

The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander is a look at how to prevent peer abuse of bullying.  Every child is picked on in school but teaching your child how to stand up for themselves and how to help others empowers them with a sense of strength.  Even though we may not want to admit it as parents our children can be cruel and our child may be the bully.  Teach them why it is wrong and how they can belong to a group without berating another person.

If you are not a single parent your kids are still watching your relationship and learning from your example.  As a mom you need to continue to care for your marriage to set that example. Pick up a copy of  How to Date Your Spouse for great date ideas to keep the spark alive.  Just because you have children doesn’t mean life as a married couple is over.  There is more than running to soccer games together.

Tomorrow I will continue the series with the tween to teen years.

This is an age group of much growth and trying times for many parents.  Still it is not hopeless time and can be highly enjoyable to watch our children grow into young adults.