Understanding Your 5-8 Year Old Child

Middle childhood (ages 5-8) brings many changes in a child’s life. By this time, children can dress themselves, catch a ball more easily using only their hands, and tie their shoes. Having 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 quickly 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.

Emotional/Social Changes

• Show more independence from parents and family.
• Start to think about the future.
• Understand more about his or her place in the world.
• Pay more attention to friendships and teamwork.
• Want to be liked and accepted by friends.

Thinking and Learning

• Show rapid development of mental skills.
• Learn better ways to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and feelings.
• Have less focus on one’s self and more concern for others.

Encourage your child’s growth and development by recognizing accomplishments and help them learn a healthy sense of responsibility.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention