Dear Dr. Tracy Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Parenting Through the Ages 5–12 Shift with Alyssa Campbell
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Sep 11, 2025 Alyssa Blask Campbell, founder of Seed and Sew and bestselling author, joins to discuss the emotional landscape of kids aged 5–12. They explore why age seven marks a pivotal shift in independence and identity, addressing emotional pushback. Alyssa introduces her Collaborative Emotion Processing method, emphasizing attunement over control. Listeners learn effective strategies for sibling conflicts and the root causes of childhood lying, advocating for curiosity instead of punishment. This enlightening conversation provides practical tools for nurturing emotional intelligence in both parents and children.
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Seven As A Pivotal Development
- Around age seven kids shift from dependent to more independent identity formation, which fuels bigger emotions and pushback.
- Alyssa Campbell frames seven as a pivot where children explore belonging, interests, and independence outside the home.
Dad In A Motel Notices Kids Need Space
- Alyssa shared a school district example where crowded living made parental oversight constant and limited children’s chance to practice independence.
- The dad recognized his sons needed private space to learn autonomy but lacked the housing to provide it.
Stretch Independence In Short Steps
- Let kids safely stretch independence with small, supervised experiences like walking to the park or biking with friends.
- Use short practice chunks so they build competence before longer unsupervised time.
