Page 97 - Choosing a Child Care Center

CHOOSING A CHILD CARE CENTER

Pre- and Elementary School—(4-9 years)

As children reach this stage, they are about to
embark on their first try at social interactions (if they
haven’t already). Concentrate on teaching them the
social skills they will need to get along with others:
Greetings—introducing themselves to peers and
adults with direct eye contact and a firm handshake
will boost their confidence and help them connect
with others.
Cooperating—whether following classroom
directions or choosing teams on the playground,
teach your child that most tasks require cooperation.
Consideration of others—your child needs to
understand that we all have feelings and our own
points of view; teach him to be considerate in his
interactions with others.
Table manners—model at home what you
expect of your child in public, such as staying seated
during the meal and not talking with a mouthful of
food.
Thank you notes—by this age, children can
begin to send handmade thank you notes for all gift-
giving occasions like birthdays and holidays. Saying
“please and thank you” in all social situations should
come easily, without frequent reminders, as a child
matures.

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