Top 10 Parenting Tips for Elementary Aged Children

Written By: Jen Block

1. Talk about your family’s values (we are kind – why is that important?, we are fair even though sometimes other people are not, we always will tell the truth even though it may get us in to trouble, etc).
2. Establish clear routines and structure for your household.
3. Be interested in your children’s lives and ask specific questions.  They crave time with you; make sure when you have time allotted for them (no computer, cell phone, TV, etc)!
4. Play “school” with your children.  As they reflect on their daily experience in the classroom, you will learn a lot about how your child behaves.
5. Try not to overload your child.  Being in school is challenging on the mind and can be tiring on the body, have some unstructured time and room for creative play.
6. Commit to making Family Time a priority (dinner at the table, game night, cookie decorating, etc).  This will help celebrate your family as a TEAM!  Also, this creates many bonds and special memories that both you and your children will hold close in your hearts.
7. Express your love for your children and never go to bed being upset.  Resolve any conflict prior to saying “Good-Night”!
8. Keep your marriage healthy and harmonious as children react to the energy of their parents.
9. Be firm, yet fair, consistent and have FUN with your children!
10. Let your child be a child!  They grow up too fast!

Bio: Jen Block is the Associate Director at Camp Sewataro. She herself was a camper and Waterfront staff member in the 80’s.  She returned to Sewataro in 2007 and now her daughter is sharing in the Sewataro experience.