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Child Development |
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Middle
Childhood (6-8 years old)
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Developmental
Milestones
Middle childhood brings many changes to a child’s life. By this time,
children can dress themselves, catch a ball more easily with only their
hands, and tie their shoes. Developing independence from family becomes
more important now. Events such as starting school bring children this age
into regular contact with the larger world. Friendships become more and
more important. Physical, social, and mental skills develop rapidly at this
time. This is a critical time for children to develop confidence in all
areas of life, such as through friends, schoolwork, and sports. |
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Here are some changes your child may go through during middle childhood:
Emotional/Social Changes
More independence from parents and family.
Stronger sense of right and wrong.
Beginning awareness of the future.
Growing understanding about one’s place in the world.
More attention to friendships and teamwork.
Growing desire to be liked and accepted by friends.
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Mental/Cognitive Changes
Rapid development of mental skills.
Greater ability to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and
feelings.
Less focus on one’s self and more concern for others.
(Adapted with permission from
Bright Futures: Green M, Palfrey JS, editors. Bright Futures Family Tip
Sheets: Middle childhood. Arlington (VA): National Center for Education in
Maternal and Child Health; 2001)
For more information,
visit the American Academy of Pediatrics Developmental Stages website. |
Positive Parenting
- Show affection for your child. Recognize her accomplishments.
- Help your child develop a sense of responsibility—ask him to help
with household tasks, such as setting the table.
- Talk with your child about school, friends, and things she looks
forward to in the future.
- Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage him to help
people in need.
- Help your child set her own achievable goals—she’ll learn to take
pride in herself and rely less on approval or reward from others.
- Make clear rules and stick to them, such as how long your child can
watch TV or when he has to go to bed. Be clear about what behavior is
okay and what is not okay.
- Help your child learn patience by letting others go first or by
finishing a task before going out to play. Encourage him to think about
possible consequences before acting.
- Do fun things together as a family, such as playing games, reading,
and going to events in your community.
- Get involved with your child’s school. Meet the teachers and staff
to understand the learning goals and how you and the school can work
together to help your child do well.
- Continue reading to your child. As your child learns to read, take
turns reading to each other.
- Use discipline to guide and protect your child, rather than
punishment to make her feel badly about herself.
- Support your child in taking on new challenges. Encourage him to
solve problems, such as a disagreement with another child, on his own.
Child Safety First
More physical ability and more independence can put children at risk for
injuries from falls and other accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the most
common cause of death from unintentional injury among children this age.
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Protect your child properly in the car. For detailed information, visit the
American Academy of Pediatrics’
Car Safety Seats: A
Guide for Families.
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Teach your child to watch traffic and how to be safe when walking to
school, riding a bike, and playing outside.
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Make
sure your child understands water safety, and always supervise her when
she’s swimming or playing near water.
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Supervise your child when he’s engaged in risky activities, such as
climbing.
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Talk
with your child about how to ask for help when she needs it.
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Keep
potentially harmful household products, tools, equipment, and firearms out
of your child’s reach.
[Return to Top]
Date: September 20, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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