Eight Years | Download to Print

Development

Physical
Continues to be accident prone, especially on the play ground.
Has more control over small muscles, and therefore writes and draws with more skill.
Displays a casual attitude toward clothing and appearance.
Seems to be all hands and arms.
Often agonizes over height and weight.
Seems to possess boundless energy.

Emotional
Begins to realize others experience similar feelings of anger, fear, sadness.
Is easily embarrassed.
Becomes discouraged easily.
Is often self-deprecating.

Social
Can be argumentative and bossy.
Can also be quite lovable and responsive.
Shows increasing ability to understand the needs and opinions of others.
Is preoccupied with finding compatible friends.
Especially likes to belong to more structured adult-led groups, such as Scouts and Campfire.
Begins to display sense of loyalty.
Enjoys secrets.
Shows some hostility toward the opposite sex.
No longer wants to assist in household chores.

Mental
Is often idealistic.
Is keenly interested in projects and collections.
Is proud of completing tasks.
Resists adult guidance at times.

Parenting
Read to your child every night. Make sure your child sees you reading! Go to the library, zoo, museums. Provide time for play. Don’t schedule every minute. Allow your child to be BORED!-creativity often comes with “down-time”. Limit the amount and monitor the quality of television. Limit “screen time” which includes not only TV, but also hand-held computer games, computer, video games. Begin to play beginner board games-Encourage learning to lose gracefully.
Provide a quiet, well-lit place for homework. Be available for supervision.
Look into an outside group activity (soccer team dance class, Girls Scouts, church group, etc.)
Get to know your child's friends and their parents.
Provide supervision for your child after school. This is the best protection against future problems.