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Development (4 to 6)

Development (4 to 6)

Your child will know the basics by now, but you should still expect the occasional ‘accident’ in toileting and for them to start ‘acting younger’ from time to time, especially when upset.

Their own social life

You will find that, because the child is at school during the day, they start to have their own life. They have a group of friends, a new set of adult figures (teachers) and their own experiences without you. They’re learning to read, write and draw – and the drawings are on paper now, rather than your walls.

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Parentlineplus - school life

Understanding the rules

Your child should understand rules. They might not like them, but they know that if they break them they’ll get into trouble. On the whole, children at this age want to please so they will be well-behaved. They will also ‘tell tales’ on others. Adults, especially their parents, are all-seeing and all-knowing – figures of authority. Children also tend to be morally simplistic – something is either right or wrong.

Suddenly you’ve got respect!

The dangers of trusting

This trust of, and wish to please, all adults presents difficulties in teaching children about the dangers of potentially abusive adults. There is naturally some sexual exploration at this age, too. Teach them that genitals are private – not shameful. However, levels of child abuse have not increased in the last 40 years but the freedom that children have has got less. Support your child to feel confident and not to be scared of the world. Remember that it’s not just about strangers – most abusers are known to the child.

Teachers are there to help

Your child will develop close relationships with their teachers, and it can be very helpful for your child to discuss things that make them angry, sad or upset. Let them know it’s okay to talk – teachers are professionals and are there to help you and your child.

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Development (4 to 6)

Their own social life

Links to other sites

Understanding the rules

The dangers of trusting

Teachers are there to help

My young child is stealing

Managing behaviour (4 to 6)

Fun and games (4 to 6)

Is my child developing normally?

“It’s just a stage” - a quick guide on birth to 6

Your 5 to 11-year-old and the National Curriculum

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