Seasons Of Parenting

Season: Spring 7-10

Imagination gives way to the concrete and tangible. What is real is now what is being experienced. [Children ages 7-10] want proof. They want evidence…Literalism and legalism enter the picture (e.g. they tell you when you’re speeding or not wearing a seatbelt, they may like to bargain—I’ll do this if you do that. [p.21]

Prescription

Beware of your child becoming selfish and manipulative. Teach and model that it is still better to give than to receive. Be consistent. Be what you claim to be. [p.21]

Remember peer groups start to become important [to children between the ages of 7-10]. [They will listen] to you, but [they will also listen] to them. [They will listen] to [their] teacher. And [they will listen] to television stars. [p.21]

Recognize that you [will lose] exclusive control over your [children during these years], but [they are still your children] … So, know who the other influences on your children are. Watch from a distance if you must but watch anyhow. [p.21]

Words of Wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:10-16, 17-24, 1 John 3:18 NIV)

Note: A late bloomer is a person that begins puberty late. Most males begin puberty at ages 10 – 15, 10 being early, and 15 being late. Most females begin puberty at ages 8- 13, 8 being early, and 13 being late. An early bloomer is a person who matures faster than average mentally, emotionally, and/or physically.

If your purpose for pruning is to enhance flowering: For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring. Non-blooming Trees and Shrubs: Prune in late winter while fully dormant. Summer-blooming Trees and Shrubs: Prune in late winter. Spring-blooming Trees and Shrubs: Wait until immediately after they bloom. They are the exceptions to the rule, but you still should prune them as early as you can.