School-Aged Moms (6-12 Years)

School-aged children develop academic skills, critical thinking, and self-regulation. UNESCO emphasizes quality education and parental involvement.

Support Strategies:

• Establish routine homework time and space with minimal distractions
• Communicate regularly with teachers about progress and concerns
• Read together regularly - builds vocabulary and comprehension
• Celebrate effort and improvement, not just grades
• Help with homework by asking questions rather than providing answers
• Ensure adequate sleep (9-11 hours nightly) - critical for learning
• Limit screen time during school nights (max 1-2 hours)

Addressing Learning Difficulties: If your child struggles with reading, math, or attention, discuss screening with teachers. Early intervention for dyslexia, dyscalculia, or ADHD is effective.

Friendships become increasingly important during middle childhood. Peer relationships impact self-esteem and social skills development.

Supporting Social Growth:

• Encourage participation in group activities (sports, clubs, scouts)
• Model respectful communication and conflict resolution
• Listen without judgment when they share about social struggles
• Help them develop empathy and understand different perspectives
• Monitor peer relationships for signs of bullying (giving/receiving)
• Teach problem-solving skills for managing disagreements

Bullying Awareness: Research shows bullying impacts academic performance and mental health. Create safe space for discussion, involve school if bullying occurs.

WHO recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children 5-17 years. Physical activity supports growth, cardiovascular health, and mental wellbeing.

Activity Guidelines:

• Aim for 60+ minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily
• Include aerobic activities (running, cycling, swimming, sports)
• Incorporate muscle and bone-strengthening activities (sports, gymnastics, climbing)
• Make activity fun - vary activities to maintain interest
• Limit sedentary time (screen time, sitting) to 2 hours daily
• Model active lifestyle by exercising together

Sports Benefits: Team sports teach teamwork, discipline, and confidence. Individual sports develop self-motivation and perseverance.

School-aged children need adequate nutrition for growth and cognitive development. Poor nutrition affects academic performance and health.

Daily Nutritional Needs (ages 6-12):

• 1400-2000+ calories depending on age, size, and activity level
• Protein for growth (meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts)
• Calcium and vitamin D for bone development (dairy, fortified alternatives, fatty fish)
• Iron for cognitive function (lean meat, fortified cereals, leafy greens)
• Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for fiber and micronutrients
• Limit added sugars, salt, and ultra-processed foods

Healthy Habits:

• Eat regular family meals together - improves nutrition and connection
• Pack healthy school lunches with variety
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks - encourage water and whole foods
• Involve children in meal planning and preparation
• Monitor portion sizes - childhood obesity is rising

Screen use has become ubiquitous. WHO and AAP recommend quality content limits and open communication about digital life.

Screen Time Recommendations:

• Limit to 1-2 hours of quality programming daily
• Choose educational, age-appropriate content
• Watch together when possible - discuss content
• No screens during meals or before bedtime
• Encourage screen-free activities (reading, outdoor play, sports, crafts)

Online Safety:

• Monitor online activities and social media use (if age-appropriate)
• Teach about privacy and not sharing personal information
• Discuss cyberbullying and how to respond
• Use parental controls; keep devices in common areas
• Model healthy screen habits yourself

School-aged children experience growing independence and social awareness. Mental health support prevents later difficulties.

Supporting Emotional Health:

• Validate feelings - teach that all emotions are okay
• Help them name and express emotions appropriately
• Create safe space for sharing concerns without judgment
• Teach coping strategies (deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling)
• Celebrate achievements and efforts to build confidence
• Maintain consistent routines for security

When to Seek Help: Persistent sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, behavioral changes, or poor school performance may indicate need for counseling or professional assessment.

Sleep is essential for growth, learning, and emotional regulation. School-aged children need 9-12 hours nightly.

Sleep Hygiene Tips:

• Maintain consistent bedtime and wake time (even weekends)
• Establish relaxing bedtime routine (story, quiet talk, calm music)
• Keep bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
• No screens 30-60 minutes before bed (blue light affects sleep)
• Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and vigorous exercise near bedtime
• Limit afternoon naps (can interfere with nighttime sleep)