Each child is unique. While some behavior and growth milestones tend to happen at certain ages, a wide range for each age is normal. It is okay if your child reaches some milestones earlier and others later than the average. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, check with your healthcare provider. Here’s what you might see your child doing at 7 years of age.

Emotional

• Gets better at putting feelings into words.
• May blame another for own mistake.

Social

• 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 who are misbehaving.
• Tends to be quite critical.
• Starts to look for role-models.

Mental

• Rapidly develops skill in using language.
• Wants to be “first,” “best,” “perfect,” “correct,” in everything.
• Is greatly concerned with right and wrong.
• Has trouble understanding honesty and dishonesty.
• Starts to use logical reasoning to solve problems.
• Enjoys dramatic play.

Physical

• Has better large muscle than small muscle coordination.
• Can ride a bicycle.
• Starts to switch between active and restful activities by choice.
• Favors competitive games.
• Has better eye-hand coordination.
• May ask questions about life, death, and the human body.
• Very interested in the subject of teeth.