Child Development Guide: 6-7 Years (continued)
Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Topics: Middle Years (5-9), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 5-8)
Topics: Middle Years (5-9), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 5-8)
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Six to Seven Years Old |
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| 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. |
| Social Development for Five to Six Years | Social Development for Seven to Eight Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
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. |
| Emotional Development for Five to Six Years | Emotional Development for Seven to Eight Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
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. |
| Moral Development for Five to Six Years | Moral Development for Seven to Eight Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
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