Your child’s good health and growth
Your child starting school can be difficult to cope with. They may be all grown up but you feel they are still a baby and sometimes you may be scared that they are not ready to face the scary outside world without you. Once your child starts school, you’ll notice a difference in their behaviour and energy levels. They’re likely to feel tired after first starting school, too. You may notice how your own child's developmental rate varies with a sudden growth spurt followed by a slower, longer period of minimal growth. If you’ve any worries about the progression of their growth consult your GP. As long as your doctor is happy, you can be as well.
No two kids grow at the same rate
Around the age of 5 you’ll start to notice wide differences in the development rate of your child's friends. Some children develop faster than others, both physically and mentally. Some give an early clue to their future physique and some even begin to display early puberty. Body fat moves around at this age and their legs grow longer. Muscle strength improves and they’ll love to show this off through physical activity.
Depending on their individual ability, they may perform cartwheels, handstands and be able to ride a 2-wheeler bike. [Obviously, not at the same time.]
Dexterity improves
Shoelaces and small buttons are no longer a mystery. They can also use a knife and fork at the table and can cut out quite precise shapes with scissors.
Bye bye to baby teeth
Around the time the tooth fairy parts with a small fortune, your child's face will be growing thinner, longer. Blonde hair can become darker and adorable curls can turn straight even if we don’t want them to. Hey, life’s cruel like that.
Growing up fast now
From around 7 years you may be surprised at how far their mental and vocal skills have come. They may start to use verbal put-downs with both family and peers – without realizing how hurtful their words can be. Calm, quiet, but firm guidance is what they need here. Your child is becoming a free thinker and gathering interests that are different from yours. Some parents are surprised at just how much of an individual a seven or eight year old can be. Don’t worry, just go with it.
Special skills will emerge in art, in writing, numbers or music. Or even in tactile talents like sculpture or woodwork. Encourage all their talents and don’t pin them down to one thing too early. There’s time enough for them to experiment some more and change direction in the years to come. [The careers advisor is a long way off yet.]
Even though it may seem a bit early, some children dream about what they might become when they get older. Some base their thoughts on the skills and interests they enjoy now. And some think about possible futures that are totally unrelated to their everyday life. Ahhh…if only everyone could become a famous footballer, a surgeon or even Victoria Beckham.
For more great tips and information read any of the following pages
Let your starlets shine…
Haliborange has launched Shiny School. If you’re looking for creative tips, Shiny School gives plenty of inspiration to help your own starlets shine.
Activities include a cook-along with celebrity chef, Lesley Waters. Stay tuned for classes with Cbeebies presenter Chris Corcoran and performing arts guru, Sylvia Young.read more…
Eating habits can become a bit of a worry - try making mealtimes a family thing, get in the kitchen, get the kids involved to create a dish together and nurture their enthusiasm for delicious foods.
Between ages 1 – 6 years - your child should ideally be getting 6.1mg of iron a day – that’s a bowl of fortified cereal, two boiled eggs and two slices of beef.
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