As children grow older, they become more inquisitive and physical and psychological progression allows them to engage in an ever-growing list of behaviors that are necessary for development, but which can also present various risks to their health. Therefore, safety continues to be a concern throughout childhood.

Parents are encouraged to enforce car safety at all times, even when traveling short distances. Children should always be secured by some type of safety restraint, no matter how short the drive. Children ages 12 years and younger should always sit in the back seat, preferably in the middle.

Children may also be prone to accidents or injuries (e.g., fractures) while playing sports or doing other types of physical activity such as riding a bicycle. It is important for children to wear the necessary protective equipment, such as shin pads, mouth guards and helmets, for any sport.

Parents or other caregivers are encouraged to enforce rules about not venturing out into the neighborhood before dawn or after dusk. Keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit as well as a list of important phone numbers (e.g., neighborhood hospitals) handy in case of an emergency is also recommended.

Other ways parents and other caring adults can promote healthy middle childhood development include:

• Involvement in a child’s academic and social life. This can be achieved by maintaining communication with a child’s teachers, other school personnel and parents of friends. Doing so can enable parents to become aware of any problems or difficulties as they arise.
  
  
• Promote reading. As children age, they often enjoy more complex books that can teach them about the world. Introduce a child to various books on many topics, including biographies, science fiction, mysteries and more.
  
  
• Encourage children to be organized and promote proper hygiene. This will help them feel good about themselves as well as develop a sense of independence and accomplishment.
  
  
• Talk with children often and encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts. Connected children are generally happier and do better in school and in life.
  
  
• Enforce disciplinary rules in a consistent manner and establish limits. As children grow, parents will likely need to adjust household rules to encourage and accommodate growing independence (e.g., sleepovers) while continuing to maintain health and safety.
  
  
• Provide children with positive feedback and unconditional support. This will foster the seeds for positive self-esteem.
  
  
• Monitor children’s media. What children view and hear on television, in movie theaters and on the Internet and radio can have an impact on them. Discuss with your child what is and is not appropriate for them. If you think something is inappropriate, redirect your child to more suitable programming and let them know why you are doing so. Various studies indicate that children who are exposed to violent media have a significant long-term increase in aggressive behaviors and thoughts.
  
  
• Discuss important topics by ages 8 to 10 years. It is recommended that topics such as puberty, the names and functions of female and male reproductive organs, sex, masturbation, menstruation, assault, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs should be discussed in a calm, open manner and in a language that children can understand.
  
  
• Be a positive role model. The best way to raise children who are loving, decent and respectful is to demonstrate the values and behavior one hopes they will develop.