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 be concerned about height and weight.
- Seems to possess boundless energy.
Emotional Development
- Begins to realize others experience similar feelings of
anger, fear, and sadness.
- Is easily embarrassed.
- Becomes discouraged easily.
- Is often self-deprecating.
Social Development
- Can be argumentative and bossy.
- Can be generous 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.
- May question duty to participate 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.
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.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern
of development, check with your health care provider.
Written by Donna Warner Manczak, PhD, MPH and Robert Brayden, MD.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.