School Age

How did this happen? Your preschooler has somehow become a full-fledged elementary school student. It's easier in some ways – they have so much more self control. They're more cooperative and affectionate.

But this is where things get complicated. You're just living your life, trying to hold a busy household together and get dinner on the table, while your child is shaping into the person he or she will become.

It may seem like you just finished toilet-training, but the tween years are right around the corner. Take advantage of these sweet, reasonable, elementary years while you still have so much influence with your child to build a close relationship, and help your child develop emotional intelligence and terrific self-management habits.