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Child Development Guide: 8-9 Years (continued)

Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Topics: Middle Years (5-9), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 8-10)
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Has more secrets. Provide child with a locked box or drawer.
May be excessive in self-criticism; tends to dramatize everything; is very sensitive. Do not criticize. Encourage efforts. Teach that others also make mistakes.
Has fewer and more reasonable fears. Build on their confidences.
May argue and resist requests and instructions, but will obey eventually. Keep directions simple; avoid "I already know" responses by not overdirecting.
Likes immediate rewards for behavior. Provide small but meaningful rewards for accomplishments.
Is usually affectionate, helpful, cheerful, outgoing, and curious; can also be rude, selfish, bossy and demanding, giggly and silly. Allow expression of negative emotions while maintaining limits. Be patient with giggling and accept humor.
Emotional Development for Seven to Eight Years Emotional Development for Nine to Ten Years
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MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Eight to Nine Years
Normal Characteristics Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May experience guilt and shame. Acknowledge and support the child's standards and discuss reasonableness of child's expectations. Encourage the child to be self-forgiving.
Focus on the worth of an individual rather than on behavior. Then work on changing the behavior.
Moral Development for Seven to Eight Years Moral Development for Nine to Ten Years
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