Positive Parenting and Supporting a 7-Year-Old Child's Development

At the age of 7, children undergo noticeable changes. They begin to develop new behaviors, skills, emotions, and interests, and are capable of learning to read and write, improving their physical abilities, understanding empathy, and expressing their feelings and thoughts. However, they may not always succeed in these new tasks.

So, what is the positive approach to parenting a 7-year-old, and how can you support their development? What can a 7-year-old do? Dr. Mahmoud Mahdy, a professor of education and psychology, answers these questions and provides ideas and activities for parents to interact with their child.

Developmental Characteristics of a 7-Year-Old

The Age of Schooling: Seven is the age when children typically start school, which is a critical time for acquiring important skills. At this age, children are at a special developmental stage that is essential for their growth, particularly in physical, cognitive, emotional, and communicative areas. Understanding these developmental traits helps parents interact effectively with their child at each stage.

Why is the Age of 7 Special for Children?

Learning New Skills: The age of 7 marks the beginning of formal education, where children take a significant step by attending school. They acquire more complex and useful skills compared to previous years. The school environment greatly influences their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Parents should support their child in adjusting to this new environment and encourage focus and engagement in both academic and social activities.

Cognitive Developments at Age 7

Improvement in Sports Skills: Children at this age become more adept at physical activities like playing ball, thanks to improved motor coordination. Parents can help their child develop better coordination and physical skills through games and activities.

Better Reading and Writing Skills: By age 7, children are refining their reading and writing abilities. Regular practice in these areas is essential, and parents can support their child’s learning by reading with them or practicing writing.

Identifying Preferred Learning Styles: At this age, children begin to recognize which learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or reading/writing) suits them best. Parents can support their child's development by engaging with their preferred learning method.

Emotional Developments at Age 7

Developing Empathy: One of the most significant emotional developments for a 7-year-old is understanding the feelings of others. They become more aware of other people's emotions and begin to empathize, putting themselves in others' shoes.

Better Emotional Control: By age 7, children start learning to manage their emotions, understanding when and where it's appropriate to express them. However, they may still need guidance and support to navigate complex emotions.

Appreciating Others' Thoughts: Children at this age begin to understand and appreciate others' thoughts. They may start worrying about what others think of them. It's important for parents to provide emotional support and reassurance during this stage.

Communication Skills at Age 7

Improved Language Skills: A 7-year-old becomes much more articulate, able to express thoughts and emotions in more detail. They can form longer, more complex sentences and hold better conversations. Their speech becomes clearer and easier to understand, though occasional mistakes in pronunciation may still occur.

Engaging in Conversations: Children at this age are better at following and engaging in conversations. They can understand a sentence from start to finish and contribute their own comments.

Activities to Do with a 7-Year-Old

Reading and Writing Together: Parents can help their 7-year-old develop reading and writing skills by finding a book suited to their level and reading together. Writing random words or sentences can also encourage creativity and improve writing.

Craft Projects: Doing craft projects with your child, such as drawing or making things with paper, helps improve their fine motor skills and sparks creativity. These activities also foster bonding between parents and children.

Playing Ball Games: At this age, children improve their hand-eye coordination, so playing ball games becomes more enjoyable. Parents can take advantage of a sunny day and spend time outdoors playing ball games with their child.

Parenting Tips for a 7-Year-Old

Emotional Support: A 7-year-old is learning emotional regulation but may not always succeed. If parents don’t support them, the child may worry about what others think. Reassurance and guidance are crucial to help the child navigate their feelings and build confidence.

Weight and Growth: On average, a 7-year-old boy weighs around 23 kg, and a girl weighs around 22 kg. These figures can vary depending on the child’s height and overall growth.

Conclusion

Understanding the developmental milestones at age 7 helps parents provide appropriate support to their child in all areas: cognitive, emotional, and social. Parents should foster a positive, supportive environment, help children refine their skills, and encourage them to explore their interests.

Note: Before trying any activity or intervention, it's important to consult with a professional if needed.