The task of parents is not only to feed and clothe children but also to educate them as independent, responsible, active, competent, and confident people in their abilities and capabilities. In this regard, the period of childhood development is crucial, which according to Piaget, is called the concrete operational stage (conservation). Berk (2017) notes that, according to Piaget’s theory, children begin to master the basics of scientific knowledge in middle childhood. The acquisition of lore is replaced by educational activities that require independent reflection and systematic efforts. That is why at this time, special attention should be paid to the development in the child of the desire for independent, active acquisition of knowledge.
Although the leading activity in middle childhood is educational, the child’s basic needs are preserved from early childhood. Poglitsch (2008) asserts that play, movement, and communication requirements persist. That is why parents should give the child the opportunity to lose excess energy through physical activity. Active games easily remove the stiffness from children, make them more connected and confident, and expand their circle of friends. In turn, to strengthen children’s character in communication, it is advisable to include them in role-playing games, where they will have to adapt to the individual characteristics of other children.
Another feature of middle childhood is the active formation of an internal position and attitude towards oneself. According to Emotional and Social Development in Middle Childhood (n.d.), children at this stage of development are already quite capable of describing themselves in social terms: belonging to a particular social group and gender and distinguishing their individual qualities. Therefore, parents should praise the discovered abilities of the child, and the improvement of talents should be approved in every possible way. All of the above recommendations will help parents to bring up a strong and independent personality.
References
Berk, L. E. (2017). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
Emotional and Social Development in Middle Childhood. (n.d.). Lumen Learning. Web.
Poglitsch, M. (2008). Physical growth & development [Film]. Learning Seed.