Routines
The seven-year old is a natural planner. Seven responds extremely well to a daily schedule so that she can plan her day. This characteristic stems from her developing concepts of the progression of time and her worries about successfully managing tasks and not getting in trouble. Seven is especially concerned about finishing things. This is one of the primary sources of emotional outbursts at seven. Parents can help seven stay in control by ensuring that she is allowed time to finish what she is doing before insisting that she do something else.
In addition to posting a daily schedule for the family, parents can help seven through the day with a few simple strategies - organize the morning routine so that he gets to school on time with everything he needs for the day; hold weekly family meetings to plan activities and responsibilities; keep regular bedtime routines to prepare for the morning and an early bedtime.
Speaking of bedtime, seven is often afraid of the dark. A flashlight by the bed is a great comfort to him. He still likes to be tucked in and have a story and conversation with his parent. He likes to take a favorite toy to bed. Nightmares are infrequent at seven and he usually sleeps through the night without having to go to the bathroom.
This is a good year to introduce some new foods to the child. She may not like them at first, but after several tries they will be accepted.
Next > The Seven-Year Old - Character
Child Development - The Seven-Year Old
At Home
At School
At Play
