Growing Children, Thriving Children

Growing Children, Thriving Children: Raising 7 to 12 Year Olds with Confidence and Awareness

“I love Lou Harvey-Zahra’s advice, which is fun but practical, and rooted in love.” —Saffia Farr, Editor, JUNO Magazine

No longer little children, but not yet teenagers, children in the primary school years (from seven to twelve) face big emotional, social, psychological, and physical changes. How can parents best support their children while also embracing their growing independence?

Inspired by the Waldorf approach to child development, Lou Harvey-Zahra explains the three major transitions—or “rubicons”—of middle childhood at ages seven, nine, and twelve. She offers practical tips and guidance to help parents through the challenges of the middle years, including:

• Creative solutions for common discipline issues
• Helpful routines for busy households to strengthen family bonds
• Suggested responses to tricky childhood questions
• Sensitive advice to help children manage anger and anxiety

Growing Children, Thriving Children empowers parents to navigate the middle years with confidence.

C O N T E N T S:

Foreword by Dr. sherry Sami and Dr. Habib Sadeghi
Introduction

PART ONE: WHAT TO KNOW
1. The 7-Year Change Explained
2. Understanding the 9-Year Crossing
3. Transformation Time at 9

PART TWO: WHAT TO DO
4. Daily Connections
5. Weekly and Yearly Rhythms for Happy Families
6. “I’m Bored!” — Games, Reading, Craft, Building, and Movement Ideas

PART THREE: WHAT TO SAY
7. Managing Children’s Anger
8. Suggestions for Anxiety
9. “That’s Unfair!” — Creative Discipline Ideas
10. Answers to Common Parent Questions
11. Let’s Talk — Puberty

CONCLUSION: LOOKING AHEAD…
12. The 12-Year Transformation and the Teen Years

About the Author

Lou Harvey-Zahra grew up and did her teacher training in England. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she has taught in a number of different kindergarten, primary, special needs and Steiner-Waldorf school settings. She runs conscious parenting workshops and is the author of Happy Child, Happy Home; Creative Discipline, Connected Family; and Through the Rainbow: A Waldorf Birthday Story for Children.