Most children are ready to start learning in a school setting by age 5,The first few years focus on learning the fundamentals.
In third grade, the focus becomes more complex. Reading becomes more about the content than identifying letters and words. An ability to pay attention is important for success both at school and at home. A 6-year-old should be able to focus on a task for at least 15 minutes. By age 9, a child should be able to focus attention for about an hour.
It is important for the child to learn how to deal with failure or frustration without losing self-esteem. There are many causes of school failure, including:
Learning disabilities, such a reading disability Stressors, such as Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression If you suspect any of these in your child, talk to your child's teacher or health care provider.
Language delays may be due to hearing or intelligence problems. In addition, children who are unable to express themselves well may be more likely to have aggressive behavior or temper tantrums.
A 6-year-old child normally can follow a series of 3 commands in a row. By age 10, most children can follow 5 commands in a row. Children who have a problem in this area may try to cover it up with backtalk or clowning around. They will rarely ask for help because they are afraid of being teased.
Peer acceptance becomes more important during the school-age years. Children may take part in certain behaviors to be part of "the group." Talking about these behaviors with your child will allow the child to feel accepted in the group, without crossing the boundaries of the family's behavior standards.
Lying, cheating, and stealing are all examples of behaviors that school-age children may "try on" as they learn how to negotiate the expectations and rules placed on them by family, friends, school, and society. Parents should deal with these in private with their child (so that the child's friends don't tease them). Parents should show forgiveness, and punish in a way that is related to the behavior.
It is important for the child to learn how to deal with failure or frustration without losing self-esteem.
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