All the DAZE Productions: Child Development

Child Development

Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are
learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age
appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in
children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child
is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally.

The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child.

The 8 Year Old Child

At seven, the child tended toward introversion. Now at eight her personality is definitely more
extroverted. She is interested in being out in the world with other people, going places, doing things.
She evaluates herself against the standards of others -parents, peers, and teachers. Because her
performance often does not measure up to the perceived standards of others, she can feel inadequate
and unhappy. At eight the seeds of peer pressure are sown. Parents and teachers can help her self-
esteem by providing opportunities for successful mastery. High expectations for behavior and school
performance are important, but for the eight year old these external expectations should be realistic and
accompanied by plenty of support and encouragement.

Eight does not like to be ordered around. Parents and teachers who use an authoritarian style of
instruction will see sullenness and resentment in an eight year old. He responds better to subtle cues
and reminders. He also wants special privileges such as later bedtimes. A smart parent will use the if-
then approach to managing eight's behavior - If you clean your room completely, then you can have
your friend over to play today. Self-consciousness is apparent in the eight year old. He is aware of his
differences - wearing glasses, being left-handed, having freckles, learning difficulties - but is not yet
terribly bothered by these differences. Self-acceptance can be nurtured now to carry him through the
coming years. Eight can be very dramatic and loses himself in pretending to be a character from TV or
movies.

Patterns of Development
Are outgoing and lively. They love to tackle new projects and have a new sense of confidence that was
lacking at age 7.

Are ready for action. They work fast and play fast. This reckless approach to life can lead to accidents
and sloppy work.

Love to talk and often dramatize what they say, such as, “Oh, it was so awful!”

Often listen closely to adults talk and can be quite “nosy.”

Tend to brag and to make up excuses for their behavior.

- nothing is too difficult for the 8-year-old
- outgoing; has outgrown shyness
- often overestimates his ability to meet new challenges
- begins things with a burst of energy which may end in failure or tears
- constantly busy and active, trying new things, making new friends
- indulges in self-criticism "I never get anything right"
- are critical of others
- is sensitive to criticism
- loves to talk
- more independent and likes to explore new places
- travels broader range in the neighborhood
- has better concept of time
- needs help from trying to do to much
- interested in relationships with others
- wants a close relationship with parents
- learns to play sports such as soccer and baseball
- be very dramatic using characteristic and descriptive gestures
- holds pencil, brush, and tools slightly less tensely
- draws action figures
- sews a straight line

Cognitive Development
seeks to understand the reasons for things
begins to feel competent in skills and have preferences for some activities and subjects
thinking is organized and logical
begins to recognize concept of reversibility (4+2=6 and 6 -2=4)

Language Development
can converse at an almost adult level
reading may be a major interest

Physical Development
finger control is quite refined
stamina increases; can run and swim further

Social/Emotional Development
has strong need for love and understanding, especially from mother
can be helpful, cheerful, and pleasant as well as rude, bossy, and selfish
may be quite sensitive and overly dramatic
emotions change quickly
impatient; finds waiting for special events torturous
makes friends easily; develops close friends of same sex
favors group play, clubs, and team sports; wants to feel part of a group
more influenced by peer pressure
can be obsessed with, and motivated by money

Stages of Awareness Regarding Differences
Regarding sex, the eight year old is becoming more aware that the specifics are not very clear. So,
some will ask, others will not. Girls are more likely to broach the subject with mother, specifically
regarding intercourse and menstruation. Of course, the children will discuss the subject among their
friends, as well as begin to make the connection from observing animal's mating. This is a very good
age to begin to discuss sex in more detail with many children, in response to their questions. If she
doesn't ask or seem aware, perhaps you can put it off until nine or ten.

Eight year olds are involved in boy-girl relationships. Boys notice pretty girls and girls will chase
handsome boys on the playground. Parents should be alert to the possibility that their eight year old girl
could become involved in sexual play with older boys. Parents should not allow the circumstances that
might lead to this to occur.

Typical Problems
Eight year old children are courageous and open to new experiences. Some of the lingering fears they
do experience are of fighting, of failing, of others finding fault with them or not liking them, of snakes,
and of the dark. Often, their coping mechanism for fearful feelings is to compulsively confront a fear
until it is mastered. This brave approach is evidenced in their fascination with books, movies, TV
programming, and Web sites about fire, storms, blood, violence, dangerous animals, etc. Our children
certainly have plenty of opportunities to witness frightening events on TV and video games, and we
often worry about why they are drawn to this material. Wise parents will supervise their child when he
views frightening themes, discussing the issues and helping him to confront his fears within the safe
confines of a nurturing family. This is the age when anxiety and worry are more prevalent than outright
fear. Anxiety is eased when parents are consistently available to help the child understand and plan for
new and difficult situations. Often, the child will not admit to or talk about her worries or fears, so
sensitivity and open communication from the parent means a lot. Eight year olds do not seem to have
many dreams. Dreams are mainly pleasant and related to daily happenings. Nightmares are infrequent,
though can be triggered by watching a scary movie or TV show.

Ideas for Care Givers
Active group play, sports, clubs, and table games are the eight year old child's favorite play activities.
Any pastime that is enjoyed with others attracts her. She is very organized in her play. She will organize
a group for a club. Boys and girls enjoy both organized and neighborhood sports. You can't go wrong
with Monopoly, Risk, Clue, Dominoes, Hearts, or trivia games.

Eight year olds also enjoy drama, and love it when an older child invites them to be in a show or
performance. Some eights enjoy reading. If yours doesn't, perhaps he could be encouraged with
magazines. He still loves to be read to by teachers and parents. Boys tend to like non-fiction books and
girls at this age like the easy series fiction readers.

Eight is beginning to show an interest in popular music.

Favorite toys for the eight year old are construction sets, doll collections, science kits, arts and crafts
kits, sports equipment, and board games. Eight year olds love collections of any kind as they satisfy
their developmental need to classify and organize their world.

Give special attention to each child

plan activities and which include same age children

discuss bike and other safety procedures

make sure children know their own phone number and address

Talk to your child about peer pressure.

Listen and discuss his concerns about friends and school performance.

Take advantage of his interest in money to teach about costs and the importance of saving toward a
goal.

Develop moral why some things are right or wrong.

Recognize your child’s need for privacy and secrets. Give him a locking drawer or box.

Give children responsibility. Develop a Chore Chart to include:
Pick up Toys,
Match Socks
Put small items in the garbage
Give food to pets
Water indoor plants
Load the dishwasher
Answer the telephone
Sweep a deck/patio/porch
Wipe the bathroom sink
Put forks and spoons away
Put their own clothes in the drawer
Sort laundry into color piles
Use a hand-held vacuum
Take out Garbage
Set the table
Clear the table
Vacuum an area rug
Clean the inside of the car
Empty the dishwasher
Put away clean dry dishes