Infants and Toddlers (0-3 yrs)
At this stage, your child is undergoing a rapid physical growth. They are developing gross motor skills that help them to do simple, daily tasks.
At this stage, your child openly expresses emotions. They will also begin to show empathy to others, as they are able to recognize emotions in others.
At this stage, your child is ego-centric and possessive. They will test the limits of rules and behaviors in their environments. Although they seek the approval and attention of others, they may show separation anxiety from their parent(s).
At this stage, your child exhibits a general awe of the world around them. Everything is new, and they will express curiosity in what you expose them to.
Pre-K and Kindergarten (4-6 yrs)
At this stage, your child is incredibly actively and requires frequent rest periods. They may show a desire to do things independently. Additionally, they are in the process of developing fine motor skills.
At this stage, your child is proud of their accomplishments. Since emotions are not subtle, jealousy is commonly displayed. During this age, they desire the approval of their parent(s), teachers, or any other individual they admire.
At this stage, your child begins to become less self-centered as they find the enjoyment of being a helper. This often leads to your child easily making friends with others and often changing friendships as they meet new people.
At this stage, your child will be able to differentiate between right and wrong. However, since they are still growing, they often have lots of questions about spiritual things they hear about. Since their brain is now more developed, they are able to memorize and understand simple Bible verses.
Early Elementary (7-10 yrs)
At this stage, your child's rapid growth rate begins to slow but picks up again during their late elementary years. They should have established fine motor skills and desire to do all-or-nothing when doing activities. Because they have busy days and are still very active, they requires about 10-11 hours of sleep every night.
At this stage, your child is very sensitive to criticism because they desire approval and affirmation from others. Although they previously could make friends easily, they are even more cooperative now when playing with others.
At this stage, your child desires group acceptance as they develop more permanent friendships and are selective about who their friends are. They will compare themselves to others and even boast about their abilities. You may even find that they enjoy talking about themselves more now than before. In their relationships with others, they develop a rigid sense of fairness between what is right and wrong.
At this stage, your child needs help linking Bible truths to real-life experiences. Linking the truths within Biblical lessons to their personal lives can be challenging, as it requires implementation. Your child may show a desire to help and serve, as they are finding the enjoyment in being service-oriented.
Preteen (11-12 yrs)
At this stage, your child needs about 9-10 hours of sleep every night. Girls will start to outpace boys in their physical development, and there will be an increased need for personal hygiene due to their body maturing.
At this stage, your child will usually be direct and matter-of-fact in their communication with others. They will begin to feel unique, as if no one else has ever gone through what they are going through. Although they will begin to mask their emotions to fit in, they generally will be easy-going, content, friendly, and talkative.
At this stage, your child begins to seek peer approval rather than the approval of those in authority. However, they may often value non-parental adult influences as well. As they mature, they will experiment with figuring who they are. More often than not, they are impulsive and unaware of others.
At this stage, your child needs graceful direction and beneficial influences outside of the home. They have a strong need to understand the why and not just the what. This can include not just talking about faith but how they can actually put it in action. At this point, they will enter a phase that will last into their their teenage years of owning or leaving their faith.
FAQ
Punishment and Discipline
Why doesn't my child respond to discipline? What should I do?
In order for discipline to be effective, it must be painful. Hitting them where it hurts (whether through the removing of a favorite toy or privilege) will help them to feel pain and know what they did was wrong.
For more info, click here.
Resistant Bahaviors
My child never listens to me. What should I do?
When children refuse to listen to their parents, it shows a lack of respect for authority. One thing you can do as a parent is follow through with punishments. When you follow through, they know you mean business.
For more information, click here
Struggling to Make Friends
What should I do?
Many times, children don't like to be with other children because they have not been given the opportunity to do so. As a parent, provide opportunities for them to relate with others and even allow them to solve their own problems with others.
For more information, click here.
Dealing with Bullies
My child is being bullied. What should I do?
Children may find dealing with a bully difficult if their parents always solve their problems for them. Instead, help them to learn skills to deal with the situation themselves. You may also need to contact the person in charge.
For more information, click here.
Seperation Anxiety
My child doesn't want to leave me. What should I do?
Children need reassurance that you are coming back. Remind them that you love them, and help create ways for them to interact with others while you sneak away. Relationships with others will help to make the transition smooth.
For more information, click here.
Death and Grief
A family Member died. How do I tell them?
When delivering difficult news, it is important to consider their age and their maturity level. Be honest with your child, and explain the difficult news in a simple manner. Although children need to know the truth, they are also sensitive people.
For more information, click here.
Technology and Phones
My child wants a phone. What should I do?
When considering buying a phone for your child, consider why they need it, what it will be used for, and the rules that will be used with it. When possible, ensure your child develops relationships other ways until a phone is necessary.
Distant and Uninterested
My child doesn't want to talk to me. What should I do?
Even when your child may not be interested in you, you must remind them of your interest in them. Do not back off from your child. Instead, invest in spending time with them and doing things that they enjoy.
External Help and Counseling
My child might need counseling. What should I do?
Recognizing that help is needed is a big and important step for both you and your child. To receive resources as well as guidance toward potential counseling options, reach out to the church office by email.
Church email: cbfc@cbfc.net
Additional Resources
