Normal Development: 8 Years Old

Physical Development

• Continues to be accident prone, especially on the playground.
• 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.
• May agonize 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.
• 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.