Ways that children develop their personal, social and health skills

As well as children making academic progress at school, they also need to develop their ability to interact socially and develop their confidence and self-esteem.

There are a number of ways that parents can help children to develop their PSHE skills, using the National Curriculum framework for guidance.

'Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of a child's abilities'
Helping children to develop their self-esteem and independence can be achieved in a number of ways. As an example, they could take on positions of responsibility within their schools such as register monitor or eco-monitor. Children could also be encouraged to make the most of their abilities by setting themselves targets for progress in particular subjects and confidence can be boosted by parents giving them rewards when they meet these goals.

'Preparing to play an active role as citizens'
Involving children in community projects in the wider community will help them to gain an understanding of the impact they can have on the world.

Parents may also want to encourage children to carry out fundraising activities for charities they have an interest in or potentially help them to sponsor an endangered animal.

'Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle'
Most schools teach children about healthy eating and children could look at food groups and recommended intakes of fruit and vegetables to design their own healthy packed lunch. Taking part in after school sports or walking to school if possible will also serve to heighten children's awareness of healthy lifestyles. Children could also learn about the green cross code so they can remain safe when they are out and about.

'Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people'
If parents can help expose children to different cultures other than their own, it will help them to develop tolerance and understanding of different people. Making friends with their peers will also help them to respect the views and opinions of others.

Again, joining an after school club or groups such as Brownies or Scouts may help children to interact with other groups of children, and in turn give them the skills they need to work well with children from a variety of different backgrounds.