Your Seven-Year-Old: Life in a Minor Key

We have been reading this series faithfully since our son was 1. They are easy to read and yet pack a lot of insightful information on the development progress of your child. They have helped me understand what phase he might be in and be more patient with him as a result. I always order the next one right around his birthday! I hope they help me thru his teenage years also.

"Life in a Minor Key" provides a sneak preview to the parental challenges and pleasures which lie ahead for the coming year. As I watch my child's dramatic transition from young child to schoolboy, it is comforting and helpful to refer to this reassuring guide.

When my then 5 1/2 year old was behaving much differently than he had at age 5, my mother pulled out an old hardcover version of the Gesell Institute Books and - oh my! - much of the changes seemed to be quite common among 5 1/2 year olds!These are 'old' books (I'm one of the earliest of the baby boomers, though my child is now nearly 9), but they are still useful. This book and all in the series are little paperbacks, quick to read. Our society has changed since they were written, so a bit of the book may seem dated if you don't like 'traditional roles. However, there is much good information and wisdom in here, unencumbered by the modern day concerns about ADD and such. In expensive, a good investment to ease a parent's mind. A nice gift from grandparents to their own children, and for young parents, just nice to have on the shelf for those days when we forget that kids behaviors and interests change as they grow up.

Seeing into the mind of a seven-year old is an amazing journey. From sullen independence to exhuberant joy at new horizons. Louise Bates Ames guides readers around the pitfalls and gives a new understanding to this inwardly viewed age. It's as wonderful as the rest of her age-related books.

When you know what behaviors are "normal" for your child's age you can relax, stop the worry, and focus on appropriate solutions. This whole series of books accurately defines the ages and stages of children. These books keep your expectations realistic and allow you to avoid anger caused by a lack of understanding of your child's developmental stages.