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

FRIENDS MATTER MORE

It's not that friends matter more than you. It's just that they matter more than you when it comes to advice on some things. If your fifth grader is doing, saying, or wearing something that confuses you, check out what their peers are doing, saying, or wearing.

COMPETITION CAN BE FUN

With a "lifetime" of experience under their belt and a "no fear" attitude, a Year-5 kid is virtually unstoppable. They are skilled, smart, and ready for the world to take notice. Fifth graders often thrive with competition because it's one more way to show you how smart and fast and strong they really are.

NATURAL CONFIDENCE RULES

This is the top of the Primary school food chain. Year-5 students frequently demonstrate a clarity of mind that comes with knowing the ropes. Lean into that confidence and build it. Let them know you see their potential. They need to know you believe in them before they get to the next phase. There's no such thing as an overly confident middle schooler.

Your Year-5 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

In this phase where friendships matter more, so does your kid's faith community. As your kid gets ready to move into your church's youth ministry, look for ways to prioritise their church connection, and continue having faith conversations at home

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?"

"DON'T EVER TIRE OF DOING WHAT IS RIGHT" 2 Thessalonians 3:13

(Repeat simple Bible verses)

"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-5 KID IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

Continues losing baby teeth including molars (9-12 years)
Improves speed, force and body control
Needs outdoor time and physical challenges
May show signs of early stages of puberty: acne, mood swings, changes in weight and height (girls 8-9 years; boys 9-12 years)
Needs 10-11 hours of sleep each night

MENTALLY

Very skilled at memorising facts
May enjoy collecting (cards, rocks, coins, etc)
Able to collaborate on rules and consequences
Beginning to understand abstract concepts
Enjoys problem solving

SOCIALLY

Enjoys cooperative and group games
Desires 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

Tends to be confident and content
May be easily embarrassed about their body
Needs to experience moderate failure and consequences to build resilience
Wants to be seen as "independent" and "mature"
May be drawn to a humanitarian cause and enjoy service opportunities

You have approximately 416 weeks and counting ...

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