School Age
Age 5-9 years
How did this happen? Your preschooler has somehow become a full-fledged elementary school student. It's easier in some ways -- they have so much more self control. They're more cooperative and affectionate.
But this is where things get complicated. You're just living your life, trying to hold a busy household together and get dinner on the table, while your child is shaping into the person he or she will become.
It may seem like you just finished toilet-training, but the tween years are right around the corner. Take advantage of these sweet, reasonable, elementary years while you still have so much influence on your child to build a close relationship, and help your child develop emotional intelligence and terrific self-management habits.
Start Here:
Game Plan for Parenting Your Elementary Schooler
Your goal is to build a strong relationship with your child, providing a counter-balance to peer culture and a solid foundation to get you through the teen years.
Read More
Peaceful Parenting Examples Age 7 - 11
What does peaceful parenting look like with kids in the elementary school years? Regardless of the situation, here are the steps and some specific examples.
Read More
Twelve Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to School
Many kids get the Back to School Jitters and need a little extra help adjusting to the start of school. Here are 12 tips that will help.
Read More
Preparing Your Child for the New School Year
With a little bit of preparation and forethought you can enjoy the last weeks of summer and make those first weeks of school easier for everyone in your family.
Read More
Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
The things your child needs to know before kindergarten are all things that he or she can learn easily in the course of daily life. Here's how to make that fun!
Read MoreFolks, she's brilliant. It's wonderful to have parenting experts who don't see the child as the enemy in a locked combat, for one thing. I recommend it.
"Your emails are life savers! So well thought-out and written!" - Helene Brazier-Mitouart
"I'd really recommend Laura Markham's Aha! parenting books and website for brilliantly practical ways to parent with kindness instead of punishment." - Makchoon
Makchoon
I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.
I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.
My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.
"Another brilliant article, pulling compelling information together in a readable way. Thank you so much for the work you do. You help me as a parent of teenagers, and I pass your articles on to clients." - Nancy Eisenberg
Thank you so much for this great advice! You give me ideas for how I can "do it better" and that lifts me up with hope and positivity too!
"I just want to say that the advice about dealing with toddlers on this website is excellent. It is amazing how much my attitude changes my son's behavior. If I make an effort to empathize with him, he is so much more cooperative. It does take an effort -- after all, I have a lot to do and I don't always want to take the time. But I find it is worth it to avoid the tantrums and fussing. He is much better behaved now, and other people even comment on it."
Jennifer
Today I say thank you, tears streaming from my face, so proud of my little boy and all he will become. Thank you. - Jennifer B.
Jennifer B
Your philosophies are the only tools we've come across which offer practical advice grounded in clearly laid out lay terminology. Our family life day-to-day is nothing short of a miracle, thanks to you! - Dana Questad
Dana Questad
