Make time to chat
When your child reaches school age, there won’t be as many opportunities to sit down and chat as there was when he was a preschooler. He will also be having a great deal more experiences that you are not privy too so it’s important that you make time to hear about his day,
Speak to your five - eight year old in a mature way
School age children want the fact that they are big kids now to be acknowledged. They may be offended if you speak to them like a baby. A good example of this is to say, "I expect you to do your homework. What time will we agree that you will start it?" instead of simply ordering them to do it.
Treat your child with respect
Ask your child to explain his needs. By acknowledging that your child has some information that you don’t have, they will know that you respect them, even though you’re making final decisions.
Ask specific questions
Kids can’t comprehend vague questions so Instead of simply asking your child, “How was school?” Ask “What did you learn in maths today?” or “Did you get your essay back, what did your teacher say?”
Listen, without contradicting
Instead of saying, “That’s silly”, you might say, “Really?” Then ask specific questions based on the situation your child has described.
Give kids a say in setting rules
Don’t be afraid to say “no”. However, within reason, your child can make some rules, too. For example, you might ask your child to agree on a reasonable time they should begin their homework. In this way, you are giving your child a chance to feel in control of their world.
