Self-study course materials for parents who wish to learn more about 6- to 12-year-old children are provided. Lessons focus on (1) growth and development; (2) relations between chronological ages and developmental stages; (3) self-concept; and (4) communication. Lesson 1 discusses physical, emotional, social, and mental development. Lesson 2 lists characteristics associated with children who are 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 years old and discusses clusters of developmental accomplishments of children at different ages. Lesson 3 provides examples of dimensions of children's lives that determine self-concept, including family climate, family economic status, personal beliefs and religion, attitude toward family members, attitude toward peers, opinions of peers, school demands, school opportunities, the impact of the mass media, biological maturation, and physical state. Lesson 4 emphasizes the importance of listening to children, lists six suggestions to improve communication with children, lists seven guidelines for listening to children, and discusses six reasons why parents can have profound influence on their children. A form for requesting a certificate of course completion is appended. (RH)