Your 7-year-old is looking and acting older, but he still needs your guidance.

His language and math proficiency are growing along with his physical prowess.

Continue to read to him, and encourage his curiosity with simple science experiments and museum visits.

school aged boy wearing a face mask

Teach him to be a good sport.

Be sensitive to gender stereotypes, and take steps to provide a broader perspective.

Indulge his fun sense of humor with wordplay, riddles, and magic.

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Gender identity development in children.

American Academy of Pediatrics.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-and-Gender-Confusion-In-Children.aspxOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

AAP.

Tips to help you child enjoy reading aloud.

mother hugging young daughter

American Academy of Pediatrics.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Help-Your-Child-Enjoy-Reading-Aloud-Tips-for-Parents.aspxOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

AAP.

What’s the best way to discipline my child?

American Academy of Pediatrics.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Disciplining-Your-Child.aspxOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

CDC.

little boy hugging dog while taking selfie

Creating structures and rules.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.https://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/structure/index.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

CDC.

Child Development: Middle childhood (68 years of age).

mother hugging daughter while both are smiling

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

MedlinePlus.

School-age children development.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002017.htmOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

Nemours Foundation.

School-age readers.http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/reading-schoolage.html#catcommunicationOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

Nemours Foundation.

mother giving young son a ride on her back

Communication and your 6- to 12-year-old.http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/comm-6-to-12.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

Nemours Foundation.

Signing up kids for sports.http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/signing-sports.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed December 2020]

phone with BabyCenter app

Karen Miles