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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Normal Development: 6 Years Old
Physical Development
- loves active play
- can be reckless (does not understand dangers completely)
- is still improving basic motor skills
- is still not well coordinated
- begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting
a ball
- tires easily
- dawdles much of the time
- is fascinated with the subject of teeth
- may become a more finicky eater
- uses crayons and paints with some skill, but has
difficulty writing and cutting
- may resist baths
Emotional Development
- may have unpredictable mood swings
- is quite sensitive to criticism
- has a problem admitting a mistake
- feels quite guilty about mistakes
Social Development
- evaluates self and friends
- begins to impose rules on play activities
- cooperates with other children with some difficulty
- has difficulty considering the feelings of others
- values independence
Mental Development
- likes taking responsibility for simple household chores
- likes to make simple decisions
- counts to 100
- asks endless "how-what-when-where-why" questions
- continues to refine concepts of shape, space, time,
color, and numbers
- begins to understand the difference between intentional
and accidental
- begins to understand differences of opinion
- still has a short attention span (about 15 minutes
maximum)
- enjoys dramatic play
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.
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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