Behaviors and Feelings

A group of students, one in a wheelchair, playing on the playground

As your school-age child develops, their increased attention span, communication skills, and complex thought processes leads to less frustration for them as they balance school, home, friends, and more. Those same skills can also add new challenges as children begin to test boundaries.

Behaviors such as lying, defiance, whining, fighting, and more are not uncommon as children learn to navigate more complex relationships with peers and adults. Parents/caregivers can help children deal with these behaviors and feelings by modeling healthy, appropriate characteristics and skills. Healthy, positive discipline strategies teach important skills like self-control, problem solving, self-care, and empathy.

The sites below provide a few tools, resources, and tips to address behavior: