Explain the development of coregulation during middle childhood.

What will be an ideal response?

As children grow and become more autonomous than before, control of behavior gradually shifts from parents to the child. Middle childhood brings a transitional stage of coregulation in which the parent and the child share power. Parents exercise oversight, but children enjoy moment-to-moment self-regulation. For example, with regard to problems among peers, parents now rely less on direct intervention and more on discussion with their child. Children are more apt to follow their parents' wishes when they believe the parents are fair and concerned about the child's welfare and that they may "know better" because of experience. This is particularly true when parents try to acknowledge children's maturing judgment and take strong stands only on important issues.

The shift to coregulation affects the way parents handle discipline. Parents of school-age children are more likely to use inductive techniques that involve explaining why a behavior is wrong and focusing on the effects of that behavior on others. The way parents and children resolve conflicts may be more important than the specific outcomes. If family conflict is constructive, it can help children see the need for rules and standards. They also learn what issues are worth arguing about and what strategies can be effective.