Children between the ages of 5 and 10 are generally considered to be in "middle childhood." This period is characterized by the development of relationships beyond the family unit. Most children begin elementary school at around the age of five and are introduced to a broader range of people including: teachers, coaches, other caregivers and a larger social group. It is interesting to be with this age child and to see how they integrate the world beyond their immediate family. During this time period the opinions of non-family members may become increasingly important to a child. Parents (and au pairs) are no longer the world's experts! Children may try out their new independence by being a little rebellious.
This is an exciting time for children but can also feel stressful as they learn to balance new environments, school expectations, and a variety of relationships. You, as the au pair, can provide stability as they move through their increasingly complex life. Below we offer some ideas about how you can be helpful to a child of this age. Also, we encourage you to review some of the following websites for more in depth information about this life stage and suggestions for working with children of this age.
Ways to support your middler
Provide structure, but when possible let your child help make the rules
Maintain a sense of humor
Recognize your child’s developing language and reasoning skills. If they have made a mistake try to talk through the situation and problem solve for the future.
Give lots of positive attention and try to support their decision making efforts