The crucial years The essential guide to mental health and modern puberty in middle childhood (ages 6-12)

This accessible, realistic guide is for parents of middle-age children (between 6 and 12 years old), a niche stage often referred to as "the forgotten period" due to the exponentially greater amount of attention dedicated to toddlers and teens. Yet it's a time of crucial physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development that presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. Ziegler, a clinical child psychologist, popular TED speaker, and prominent social media presence, offers sound, research-based advice delivered via multiple formats: case studies, relatable scenarios, personal experiences, sample conversations, lists, tips, diagrams, and chapter notes, all supported by plenty of reassuring and empathetic commentary. Topics range from sexual exploration and puberty to peer pressure, socialization, body image, eating habits, and addiction, both chemical and digital. Information is presented in manageable sections set off by subheadings, making it easy to locate precise advice not only by subject but also by narrower age range and gender specificity. Whether read in totality or accessed in time of need, this handy reference offers substantial support for families.

The years between preschool and adolescence present unique challenges and opportunities for parents, according to this solid manual. Clinical psychologist Ziegler (Mommy Burnout) contends that during this period, the key issue children face is building confidence in their ability to master "new skills and tasks, particularly in school and social settings," and she suggests assisting these efforts by encouraging kids to pursue such goals as learning division or attending an overnight camp. Expounding on how to lay the groundwork for strong parent-child relationships, Ziegler extols the benefits of "active listening," which prioritizes ensuring kids feel heard over trying to solve their problems for them. Elsewhere, Ziegler recommends that parents limit screen time by banning phones from the dinner table and playdates, and that they praise kids' intelligence and kindness instead of their appearance to avoid feeding into body image issues. Affecting case studies from Ziegler's practice illustrate the guidance, as when she warns against putting too much pressure on children to succeed by telling how an eighth grade patient nearly burned out trying to live up to her parents' high standards. Throughout, convenient "In a Nutshell" recaps distill the suggestions into easy-to-digest bullet points. Parents of elementary and middle schoolers will find this a boon. Agent: Jen Marshall, Aevitas Creative Management. (May)