Growing Children, Thriving Children: Raising 7 to 12 Year Olds With Confidence and Awareness

by Lou Harvey-Zahra

Overview

An inspiring holistic parenting guide for the elementary school years (7 to 12 year olds).

No longer little children, but not yet teenagers, children in the elementary-school years (between seven and twelve) face big emotional, social, psychological and physical changes. How can parents best support their children whilst also embracing their growing independence?

Inspired by the Waldorf approach to child development, experienced teacher, parenting coach and author Lou Harvey-Zahra explains the three major transitions, or 'rubicons', of middle childhood at ages seven, nine and twelve. She offers practical tips and guidance to help parents through the challenges of the middle years, including:

Creative solutions for common discipline issues

Helpful routines for busy households and fun suggestions to strengthen family bonds

Suggested responses to tricky childhood questions

Sensitive advice to help children manage anger and anxiety

Thoughtful discussion of common parenting challenges and dilemmas

Growing Children, Thriving Children empowers parents to navigate the middle years with confidence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782505662
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	08/06/2019
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Lou Harvey-Zahra grew up and did her teacher training in England. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she has taught in a number of different kindergarten, primary, special needs and Steiner-Waldorf school settings. She runs conscious parenting workshops and is the author of Happy Child, Happy Home; Creative Discipline, Connected Family; and Through the Rainbow: A Waldorf Birthday Story for Children.

Table of Contents

Foreword Dr Sherry Sami Dr Habib Sadeghi 9

Introduction 11

Part 1 What to Know

1 The 7-Year Change Explained 17

2 Understanding the 9-Year Crossing 32

3 Transformation Time at 9 43

Part 2 What to Do

4 Daily Connections 59

5 Weekly and Yearly Rhythms for Happy Families 75

6 'I'm Bored!' - Games, Reading, Craft, Building and Movement Ideas 91

Part 3 What to Say

7 Managing Children's Anger 119

8 Suggestions for Anxiety 137

9 'That's Unfair!' - Creative Discipline Ideas 155

10 Answers to Common Parent Questions 187

11 Let's Talk - Puberty 213

Conclusion Looking Ahead…

12 The 12-Year Transformation and the Teen Years 241

Editorial Reviews

'Growing Children, Thriving Children gives teachers and parents insightful and practical answers when the hurried pace of teaching leaves you looking for answers... A lifeline for teachers and parents during those middle childhood years of ages 7-12. You will find yourself nodding as you begin to see the mirror images that only a parent or teacher of a child in this age of awakening can see. This is a must-have for any teacher or school leader in middle childhood.'
– Steiner Books

'Anyone who has heard of Lou Harvey-Zahra's wonderful talks, or read any of her previous books, will be pleased to see her font of wisdom can be applied to the older children too. It is so helpful to read her insightful advice, practical and heart-warming ideas and creative discipline tips for the over 7's, and delving into the developmental changes taking place at 7, 9 and 12 years of age. A practical, easy to read and down to earth guide.'
– Kindling

'I love Lou Harvey-Zahra's advice, which is fun but practical, and rooted in love.'
– Saffia Farr, Editor, JUNO Magazine

'If you have children between 7-12 years or coming close to this age, you simply must read this book! Such a crucial time for connection and setting up for more ease in the teen years. Growing Children, Thriving Children is full of gold for parents!'
– Katherine Thompson, parent

'I am super grateful to have read Growing Children, Thriving Children and to refer to it – as there aren't many books on this middle period of childhood. Lou Harvey-Zahra's book beautifully explains the transition that largely goes unrecognised at nine years in our society today.'
– Sarah Barber, parent

From the Publisher