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.


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