Mine is 6 now.....and man it is by far the most difficult stage for me.
Begging and thinking of ideas to get him to brush his TEETH DAILY. Meltdowns, even in public places. Conflicts which need resolutions. Dealing with teachers, who sometimes I agree but other times disagree with. Working with them on homework. Constant need to watch them not to get hurt.
I've saved 2 children from drowning, and one of them was my child, who randomly thought it would be a great idea to jump into a deep pool without a life vest.
I would have a child again as I do finding rewarding but my career has taken a back seat and my energy levels are always on low. I dread mornings.
Yeah... I'm in the 3-year-old stage and oh boy... it can be really tough. But lately I bought some kids' board games (HABA) and we can enjoy them together — not always, and it's not the same as playing with peers, but I can see it being like that in the future. And the experience of teaching, for me, not being a teacher, is really educational and transformative.
Once they start doing extracurriculars, and learning skills, and developing talents, then something starts to click. for me at least.
things got REALLY fun when they started to also enjoy things i liked.