Understanding 8 Year Olds: Insights from Child Development Experts
As children are growing, parents often find it difficult to understand their child’s behaviors and developmental stages, particularly when their child reaches the age of 8. At this age, children experience significant changes, both physically and mentally. To help parents better understand their child’s development, we spoke with child development experts to gain valuable insights and tips on how to support children at this age.
Physical Development
At 8 years old, children experience rapid physical growth. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a pediatrician at the Boston Children’s Hospital, “8-year-old children tend to grow about 2 inches a year and double their weight from the age of 5”. This growth spurt can bring about a lot of changes, such as an increase in appetite or difficulty with coordination.
As children grow and gain more independence, it’s important for parents to encourage physical activity and healthy habits. According to Dr. Roberta Golinkoff, Professor of Education at the University of Delaware, “Parents should encourage their 8-year-old children to participate in outdoor activities such as sports, biking or playing in the park.” This not only helps to promote healthy physical development, but it also allows children to learn important social skills and build confidence.
Cognitive Development
At 8 years old, children show significant cognitive development in various areas including attention, reasoning and memory. According to Dr. Mary Renck Jalongo, Professor of Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, “8-year-old children can focus on a task for a longer period, have a better understanding of instructions and can follow step-by-step procedures”.
Parents can support their child’s cognitive development by providing activities that stimulate brain growth, such as puzzles, board games, and building toys. Children at this age also enjoy reading books and listening to stories, which can help them develop their language skills and expand their vocabulary.
Social and Emotional Development
As children develop, their social and emotional skills begin to grow, too. At 8 years old, children start to become more aware of their feelings and the feelings of those around them. According to Dr. Kristy Fassler, a child psychologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “At this age, 8-year-olds are developing more empathy and compassion for others, as well as forming stronger relationships with peers.”
Parents can support their child’s social and emotional development by encouraging them to express their feelings and help them develop problem-solving skills. Creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable to ask questions and have open conversations can help them navigate these new developments.
Conclusion
Overall, understanding the developmental stages of an 8-year-old child is crucial for parents to effectively support their child’s growth. With a better understanding of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, parents can create an environment that fosters healthy habits and learning. Encouraging physical activity, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and developing strong communication can all help parents support their 8-year-old child’s growth and development.
