Developmental Tasks
- To learn to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
- To become comfortable with own gender identity.
- To make connections and distinctions between feelings, thoughts, and actions.
- To solve problems by initiating and creating.
Indicators Related to Developmental Lag
- 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. |
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). |
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| May blame mother for anything that goes wrong. Male children will identify strongly with father. |
Provide consistent, caring responses to child's blame or over-identification. |
| Child doesn't like being kissed in public, especially boys. |
Be sensitive. |
| Identifies with adults outside the family (e.g., teacher, neighbor). |
Accept this as okay. |
| Friendships are unstable; is sometimes unkind to peers; is a tattletale. |
Provide guidance in making and keeping friends. |
| Must be a winner; changes rules to fit own needs; may have no group loyalty. |
Help child to be a good loser. |
| In school, may develop problems if expectations are too high; has trouble concentrating; may fool around, whisper, or bother other children. |
Keep in touch with the school. Be alert for feelings of frustration and failure in the child. |
| Perpetual activity makes meals difficult. Breakfast may be the most difficult meal. |
Allow extra time for breakfast. |
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Feels insecure as a result of drive toward independence. |
Give child time, freedom, and opportunities to practice being independent. |
| Finds it difficult to accept criticism, blame, or punishment. |
Be patient and understanding. |
| Child is center of own world and tends to be boastful. |
Accept apparent selfishness. |
| Generally is rigid, negative, demanding, unadaptable, slow to respond; exhibits violent extremes; tantrums reappear. |
Set reasonable limits, offer explanation of limits, help child keep within them. |
| If not the winner, often makes accusations that others are cheating. |
Avoid games that designate a winner. |
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Is very concerned with personal behavior, particularly as it affects family and friends; sometimes blames others for own wrongdoing. |
Teach the child to be concerned and responsible for own behavior. Assure child that everyone makes mistakes. |
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
photo by:
Croghan, NY 
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