Primary Years

The primary years are a busy time for children as they develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. Not only are they learning to read, write and do maths – and then advance in those subjects - they’re also learning how to manage themselves, to become more independent, to make friends and get on with others. School-age children gradually become less dependent on their parents and caregivers for their physical well-being, but they remain emotionally dependent on us for love, praise and guidance. They need us to be there for them - and will do for many years to come.

During the primary school years children begin to realise that adults aren’t infallible (we make mistakes!) and they may start answering back and testing the limits. Their peer group becomes increasingly important and navigating the waters of friendship more complicated. Fallouts with friends and exclusion from groups can be heartbreaking. Children this age are absorbing lots of information and making shrewd and often humorous observations about the world around them and the people in it.

It’s normal for a variety of hobbies and interests to be tried on for size and then discarded, and you might notice your child has an urge to collect things. Some experts believe this is an attempt to order the world. Play remains vitally important, as does physical activity, and limiting screen time and getting kids off their devices is a challenge many modern parents face.

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