Sharpen your pencils. That growth chart may not have seen too much movement over the past few years but you’ll be wearing out that pencil soon trying to keep up with how fast your son or daughter is growing. The gaps between marks are getting wider! Growth spurts are starting for most kids this age, and there are many more physical milestones happening each week for second and third graders.
By the end of the day, expect to be exhausted. It will require lots of energy to keep up with these little ones who typically desire to run, play, and climb on everything in sight. They eat more than they did last year. Kids are adding pounds and sprouting a few inches each year of elementary school. Keep an eye on their diets. Be cautious with sugar, which is considered more addictive than many drugs. You are the gatekeeper of snacks and meals.
If you want a healthy kid, establish an early bedtime. Most kids this age need more sleep than they get. Lack of sleep leads to problems with behavior, school, and overall health.
It’s common for kids this age to begin having injuries, especially if they are playing sports. Little bangs and bruises don’t pose much of a problem but broken bones, sprains, and concussions require immediate attention. Watch your children closely. Encourage them to stay active and play, but know that all that energy they are trying to burn could lead to injuries. If not properly treated, they could hinder physical development.
At this age, kids will notice that boys and girls are different. They will comment on it, too. This lays the groundwork for more difficult questions later. They want to know why some kids are bigger, smaller, shorter, or taller. They crave information and expect you to have the answers. Get used to change.
There are so many things happening in the life of your child, and you play a major role in helping them figure it all out. Check out this video from our Child Development Series and get involved today.
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “How do you feel after nights when you don’t get much sleep?”