Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Normal Development: 7 Years Old

Physical Development

still has better large muscle than small muscle coordination
rides a two-wheeler
begins to alternate rigorous and restful activities independently
favors competitive games
has more refined eye-hand coordination
may ask endless questions about life, death, and the human body
still preoccupied with subject of teeth

Emotional Development

becomes better at expressing negative feelings through language
may blame another for own mistake

Social Development

plays with boys and girls together
usually has a best friend of the same sex
shows growing concern about popularity among peers
seeks approval of peers as well as adults
takes it upon self to enforce rules
tattles on other children perceived to be misbehaving
tends to be quite critical
begins to look for role-models

Mental Development

experiences rapid language development
wants to be "first", "best", "perfect", "correct", in everything
is greatly concerned with right and wrong
still has difficulty with the concepts of honesty and dishonesty
begins to use logical reasoning to solve problems
continues to enjoy 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.


Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems