Children at this age should experience the life-enriching qualities of belonging to a loving Christian community of family and church. Create environments in which children will grow. Key points:

• provide opportunities for your family to learn, pray, and socialize;
• affirm relationships which are faithful and trusting, especially those of family members;
• invite adults who are good role models to share their time and gifts with your children.
• communicate with your child(ren) about daily experiences with their peers.

Children this age have questions bout their physical development . Look for opportunities to respond to their questions. Key points:

• talk with them about their developing bodies. Help them understand basic physical changes;
• encourage them to develop good habits of caring for the body; and
• discuss the importance of modesty, self-discipline, and their need for privacy. CCC 2338-40, 2521

Children this age have an increased understanding of the effects of loving choices in their lives. Key points:

• assure them that they are loved and able to love;
• share with them experiences of love of family and friends;
• identify appropriate expressions of love;
• teach them to respect and accept others who are different from themselves; and CCC 1933
• model forgiveness in everyday life. CCC 2226

Children this age have a growing sense of God and Church. Key points:

• recognize the connection of your family's faith life and religious education;
• model for them a strong personal relationship with God;
• teach them how to pray;
• read and enjoy Bible Stories with them;
• prepare and celebrate regularly with them the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation.

The values and attitudes of children this age are greatly influenced by the media. Key points:

• log the time your family spends with television, video games, computer, radio, etc.;
• discuss which values are Christian and which aren't in TV shows, movies, songs and lyrics; CCC 2525
• trade a TV show for a trip to the library;
• set guidelines for which movie and video ratings your family will allow before going to the theater or video store;
• practice what you preach - if you limit your children's TV viewing, limit your own too.

Note: CCC numbers refer to related articles in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Children at this age are greatly influenced by you and your family. You are the primary educators of your children. Be involved in the planning and evaluating of programs in human sexuality both at church and at school. CCC 2223, 2229