THE PHASE WHEN FRIENDS ARE BEST FRIENDS, GAMES ARE FOR COMPETITION, AND YOUR CONFIDENT KID WILL INSIST, "I'VE GOT THIS".

FRIENDS MATTER MORE

Year-4 friend-groups may be quickly turning into cliques, and friendships may evolve into "best friends." Look for ways to fuel healthy friendships. They are the perfect place to learn some of life's most valuable skills.

COMPETITION CAN BE FUN

With a "lifetime" of practice under their belt, your Year-4 kid is ready to prove they can win. Almost nothing motivates a Year-4 student more than a good competition. It's one way to show you how smart and fast and strong they really are. But since the outcome typically matters more than the game (to them), you might be on the lookout for a few negotiations and rule changes along the way

NATURAL CONFIDENCE RULES

It's the fifth year of school, and your kid has this routine down. So, on the days when your kid may be feeling anxious or worried, ask what you can do to help. Encourage persistence over performance, and constantly remind them, "You've got this." They are gaining the confidence they will need for the phases to come.

Your Year-4 kid can understand different points of view, empathise with others, and negotiate like a champ. That means one thing. Your influence is shifting. Your kid still needs you, but they are beginning to need you in a different way. If you want to engage their interests. then include peers, coach relational skills, and help your kid develop healthy friendships.

THINKS LIKE A SCIENTIST

You help them learn when you... GIVE THEM A CHALLENGE.

WANTS TO KNOW "DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?"

You capture their heart when you ... DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS

IS MOTIVATED BY FUN

You coach their moral abilities when you ...INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN IN

THIS YEAR YOU WILL 'PROVOKE DISCOVERY' SO YOUR CHILD WILL TRUST GOD'S CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE GOD'S FAMILY

Year-4 kids are often introspective and enjoy having some alone time. Leverage this new tendency to help them develop a habit of spending time alone with God. Help them pick out a preteen devotional, and continue having faith conversations at home. You can do these things by taking advantage of the time you already spend together

SAY THINGS LIKE :

"HOW CAN I PRAY FOR YOU TODAY/THIS WEEK?"

"HAVING FAITH ISN'T ALWAYS EASY, BUT WE CAN TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT."

"WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE WISEST CHOICE IN THIS SITUATION?"

"DID YOU KNOW THAT THE BIBLE WAS WRITTEN AS 66 DIFFERENT BOOKS, BUT THEY ALL TELL ONE STORY?"

(Connect the dots between the stories to give a bigger context.)

"IF YOU WERE THEM, HOW DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED?"

"HAVE YOU READ ANYTHING IN THE BIBLE THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU RIGHT NOW?"

(Talks about the Bible)

YOUR YEAR-4 KID IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

Continues losing baby teeth including molars (9-12 years)
Improves in speed, force, and body control
Needs physical activity and may become restless
May show signs of early puberty, acne, mood swings, rapid growth
Needs 10-11 hours of sleep each night

MENTALLY

Concentrates on one activity up to 45 minutes.
Can read silently and remember what they've read
Able to collaborate on rules and consequences
Recognises different perspectives and becoming more emphatic
Still struggles with abstract concepts

SOCIALLY

Increasingly values peer approval
Desire more personal privacy
Often thrives in competitive situations
Benefits from having a same-gender best friend
May be interested in or curious about opposite-gender relationships (but rarely admit it)

EMOTIONALLY

Frequently exhibits signs of anxiety
May begin to be embarrassed about their body
Enjoys puns, sarcasm and sometimes crude jokes
Still holds to family beliefs and values, but may ask challenging questions
May be drawn to a humanitarian cause and ejoy service opportunities

You have approximately 468 weeks and counting ...

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