Physical Development

• Continues to be accident prone, especially on the playground.
• 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.
• May be concerned about height and weight.
• Seems to possess boundless energy.

Emotional Development

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

Social Development

• Can be argumentative and bossy.
• Can be generous and responsive.
• Shows increasing ability to understand the needs and opinions of others.
• Is preoccupied with finding compatible friends.
• Especially likes to belong to informal "clubs" formed by children themselves.
• Also likes to belong to more structured adult-led groups such as Scouts.
• Begins to display a sense of loyalty.
• Enjoys secrets.
• Shows some hostility toward the opposite sex.
• May question duty to participate in household chores.

Mental Development

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

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your health care provider.

Pediatric Advisor 2006.4; Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Written by Donna Warner Manczak, PhD, MPH and Robert Brayden, MD. This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.