7 Years

Milestones

Around 7 years old, many children:

• Social

  • Want to be liked and accepted by friends
  • Are able to take turns and play well with others
  • Show an awareness of the points of views of others

• Communication

  • Master most speech sounds and talk fluently
  • Describe common objects and what they're used for
  • Hold long conversations and tell jokes
  • Understand and follow routines on a daily basis
  • Use the phone
  • Read out loud

• Learning

  • Understand the idea of similar and opposite
  • Start to read by themselves and like age-appropriate books
  • Copy more complex shapes, such as a diamond
  • Tie shoelaces on their own
  • Play board games and understand the rules

• Physical Development

  • Throw, catch, and kick a ball
  • Start to lose baby teeth
  • Run up and down stairs
  • Balance on one foot without looking
  • Dress themself
  • Ride a 2-wheeled bike (if taught)

• Health

  • Have 5 to 6 ounces of grains daily, including whole grains (1 ounce equals ½ cup oatmeal, ½ cup of rice, 5 whole wheat crackers, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, or ½ cup cooked pasta)
  • Have 2 to 2 ½ cups of vegetables daily (such as ½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup broccoli, ½ avocado, and ½ cup sliced peppers).
  • Have 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruits daily (such as 1 small apple, ½ large banana, and ½ cup chopped berries). Fresh, frozen canned or dried all count.
  • Have 4 to 5 ½ ounces of protein foods daily (1 ounce equals 1 egg, ¼ cup of beans or lentils, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or ¼ cup tofu). Protein foods include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, nut butters, and poultry, fish, eggs and meat.
  • Have 2 ½ cups of dairy or suitable substitute daily. This includes whole cow’s milk, whole plain yogurt, or unsweetened fortified soy beverage.
  • Drink water at or between meals for thirst.

Act early by talking to a doctor, teacher, or social worker if your child:

• Act Early

  • Has trouble following instructions
  • Often reverses letters often when writing
  • Has trouble using scissors
  • Seems to be afraid to go to school
  • Wets their pants during the day
  • Is often confused when talking with friends or in the classroom
  • Can't do simple tasks, even with the help of an adult
  • Won't compromise or be flexible
  • Stumbles or falls often when feet leave the ground