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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Normal Development: 8 Years Old
Physical Development
- Continues to be accident prone, especially on the
play-ground.
- 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.
- Often agonizes over height and weight.
- Seems to possess boundless energy.
Emotional Development
- Begins to realize others experience similar feelings of
anger, fear, sadness.
- Is easily embarrassed.
- Becomes discouraged easily.
- Is often self-deprecating.
Social Development
- Can be argumentative and bossy.
- Can also be quite lovable 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 or Campfire.
- Begins to display a sense of loyalty.
- Enjoys secrets.
- Shows some hostility toward the opposite sex.
- No longer wants to assist 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.
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe
exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's
development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and
physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide
spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal.
Consequently, 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. Keep this in mind as you
review these milestones.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern
of development, check with your pediatrician or family
physician.
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