Six Years

Development

Physical

• Loves active play. 
• Can be reckless (does not understand dangers completely). 
• Is still improving basic motor functions. 
• Is still not well coordinated. 
• Begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting a ball. 
• Tires easily. 
• Dawdles much of the time. 
• Is fascinated with the subject of teeth. 
• May become a more finicky eater. 
• Uses crayons and paints with some skill, but has difficulty writing and cutting. 
• May resist baths.

Emotional

• May have unpredictable mood swings. 
• Is quite sensitive to criticism. 
• Has a problem admitting a mistake. 
• Feels quite guilty about mistakes.

Social

• Evaluates self and friends. 
• Begins to impose rules on play activities. 
• Cooperates with other children with some difficulty. 
• Has difficulty considering the feelings of others. 
• Values independence.

Mental

• Likes taking responsibility for simple household chores. 
• Likes to make simple decisions. 
• Counts to 100. 
• Asks endless “how-what-when-where-why” questions. 
• Continues to refine concepts of shape, space, time, colors and numbers. 
• Begins to understand the difference between intentional and accidental. 
• Begins to understand differences of opinion. 
• Still has a short attention span (about 15 minutes maximum). 
• Enjoys dramatic play.

Parenting

• Read to your child every night. 
• Limit the amount and monitor the quality of television.