Child Development Guide: Six to Seven Years

Excessive fears; extreme separation anxiety; bedwetting; shyness; threatening or bullying peers; inhibited play; ritualistic behaviors, especially around food; persistent speech problems and problems centering around toileting; excessive fear of strangers; lack of interest in others.

Note: Although these tasks and indicators may be present during ages 3 to 7, each may be more observable at specific times.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Is vigorous, full of energy, and generally restless, e.g., foot tapping, wiggling, being unable to sit still.	Provide opportunities for a variety of physical activities.
Is clumsy due to poor coordination. Is in an ugly duckling stage. Has growth spurts.	Don't point out or emphasize clumsiness or change of appearance.
May occasionally wet or soil him-/herself when upset or excited.	Accept accidents calmly as the child is apt to be embarrassed.
Has marked awareness of sexual differences; may want to look at bodies of opposite sex (playing doctor, house, etc.); touches and plays with genitals less frequently; will accept the idea that a baby grows in the womb.	Give simple, honest answers in a calm manner.
Has unpredictable preferences and strong refusals; often develops a passion for peanut butter.	Provide balanced meals, but don't be overly concerned with child's preferences or passion.
Eats with fingers and talks with mouth full.	Don't overreact; set a good example.
Commonly suffers more colds, sore throats, and other illness, because of exposure at school.	Be aware of disease symptoms. Crankiness may preceed an illness. Child needs plenty of rest and balanced meals.

Physical Development for Five to Six Years	Physical Development for Seven to Eight Years
Return to Using the Child Development Guide

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
May develop stuttering when under stress.	Remember, language disturbance is temporary and may disappear of its own accord.
Wants all of everything and finds it difficult to make choices.	Do not offer excessive choices, but provide opportunities for making decisions.
Begins to have organized, continuous memories; most children learn to read and write, although some don't until after age 7.	Promote child's reading and writing (e.g., letters to relatives and friends, opportunity to create stories).

Intellectual Development for Five to Six Years	Intellectual Development for Seven to Eight Years
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.

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