With a school-aged child
With a school-aged childThe child is increasingly learning to make their own decisions in life. However, you still play a major role in your child's relationships, school life, and free time.
Mental wellbeing at school age
Starting school and new friendships can challenge a child's developing self-esteem. Offer your child lots of positive feedback, love and opportunities to feel a sense of achievement.
As a child grows up, they experience new and sometimes unpleasant emotions. Going through all kinds of emotions strengthens your child's ability to cope with adversity and develops emotional regulation.
Even though your child is increasingly forming relationships on their own, you can still actively support the development of their friendship skills.
When your child starts to think about their gender or sexual identity, listen to their thoughts and make them feel accepted just as they are.
Attention and concentration difficulties are typical at school age. As a parent, you can support your child’s development and get help if you need it.
You can encourage your child to engage in activities that promote mental wellbeing such as going for nature walks, being silly or doing good deeds for others.
Growth and wellbeing at school age
In the early years of primary school, the child’s proportions will change, their physical and motor skills will strengthen, and their baby teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth.
Regularity and variety are the main building blocks of a healthy diet for a schoolchild. A varied breakfast and school meals on weekdays make it easier to achieve this.
A school-aged child should get an hour of physical activity every day. The goal is that your child leads a well-rounded active life in a way that suits them well.
A child of primary school age needs around 9–11 hours of sleep. Getting enough sleep supports learning, growth, concentration, coping and a good mood.
At school age your child begins to practise taking care of their teeth independently. They should also start cleaning between their teeth at around age 10–12.
Children may begin experimenting with substances as early as primary school. If this happens or you suspect that your child is at risk, creating a safe, supportive environment is the best ways to protect them.
A schoolchild’s everyday life and leisure time
Support your child in an age-appropriate way as they become more independent. Give them new responsibilities and freedoms but remain the adult in the family: there is no rush for a schoolchild to become independent.
Hobbies can bring friends and wellbeing into a child’s life as well as teach responsibility and perseverance. If your child engages in a lot of activities, remember to make sure that they also have time to recover.
A children’s phone watch or a simple phone without internet access is often a good choice for a child under 11. When preparing for your child’s first smartphone, discuss the limits and the purpose of the phone use before the actual purchase.
The internet and games are part of children's everyday lives. Have an open mind and take an interest in the games your child plays, the media devices they use and the content they follow.
Attention and concentration difficulties are typical at school age. As a parent, you can support your child’s development and get help if you need it.
If your child is struggling to obtain the skills and knowledge required at school, you can work with the school to find ways to support the child’s learning.
Find out the reason for your child’s school absences and, if necessary, seek support for your child to resolve the situation. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that your child attends school.
Basic education in Helsinki
Enrolling to school
Contact your child's school staff
Education in our schools
Everyday life in schools
Activites and hobbies for children
Libraries, youth centres and primary schools organise free programmes for elementary-aged children across Helsinki. By choosing ‘Hobbies’ you can also find affordable weekly activities from local offerings.
Learn more about the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities(Link leads to external service)
