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

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