Primary Schoolers Social Development

Primary Schoolers Social Development

• All children need a friend. With this friend they'll experience many new things. When they feel secure with this friend they'll branch out and make more friends.
• Children in middle childhood often have more than one 'best friend'.
• School children are often very clear who their friends are. ('You're my friend' or 'I'm not your friend any more'). Children can 'make up' after arguments and keep friends over several years.

• Encourage children to socialise with children their own age - both in and out of school.
• Friendships will develop and their importance will increase. Same sex friendships are more common in middle childhood.
• Family, neighbours, friends, teachers and people in the community are all important to children. Through these people they learn things about age, employment and community roles. They like to see and do new things and will join in if they feel comfortable.
• Children like being with other people but they need to learn and practice social skills.
• Children learn to understand the needs and expectations of other people and act accordingly.
• Children need:
  • good role models so they learn positive behaviour
  • trust, honesty and care
  • simple, clear explanations about how people behave in the home and community
  • different ways of dealing with problems as they arise
  • someone to listen to them
  • someone to believe in them

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

Primary Schoolers Middle Childhood :: Primary Schoolers Quick Guide 6 to 7 Years Old
Primary Schoolers Language Development :: Primary Schoolers Social Development
Primary Schoolers Childrens Grief :: Primary Schoolers Intellectual Development
Primary Schoolers Emotional Development :: Home

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