8 Years

Milestones

Around 8 years old, many children:

• Social

  • Develop a strong moral sense of right and wrong
  • Show more concern for the well-being of others
  • Develop a sense of privacy
  • Have playmates of the same gender

• Communication

  • Talk about experiences, thoughts, and feelings
  • Use polite phrases such as "please" and "thank you"
  • Know different tenses, such as past and future, and other grammar
  • May have favorite subjects at school
  • Are often excited to talk about what they want to do when they grow up

• Learning

  • Understand and can carry out instructions with multiple steps
  • Create simple stories
  • Understand conversations between other children
  • Know months and seasons
  • Begin to read books on their own

• Physical Development

  • Catch a tennis ball in one hand
  • Have more strength in the large muscles of the arms and legs
  • Change direction while running, throw with better aim, and jump or climb better

• 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

  • Complains about stomach or headaches before going to school
  • Can't tie shoelaces
  • Wets the bed at night
  • Doesn't respect the personal space of others
  • Has little concern for the feelings of others
  • Has trouble finding the right word when talking
  • Can't get dressed on their own
  • Gets tired easily with every activity
  • Can't ride a bike without training wheels (if taught)