Development Of A 6 Year Old
By: Shakia Griffin
Physical Characteristics
- Growth in height is 2 1/2 to 3 inches per year, boys slightly taller than girls.
- Weight gain is 4 to 5 pounds per year, boys slightly heavier than girls.
Posture and Body Shape
- Holds arms near body when walking.
- Stomach flattens.
- Chest broadens and flattens with improved abdominal strength.
- Holds shoulders back and upper body more erect.
- Legs lengthen rapidly, growing stronger and firmer.
Teeth
- The set of 32 lifelong teeth to replace primary teeth begin to grow.
- Teeth are lost in the same order they came in, two lower teeth first followed by the two upper front teeth.
- Regular toothbrushing and flossing is an important habit to encourage.
- Dentists recommend parents assist children in handling a toothbrush until age 5.
- Regular dental checkups, to clean teeth and check for decay, are important.
Motor Skills
- Ties Shoes.
- Writes entire words.
- Cuts, pastes, and colors skillfully.
- Jumps Rope.
- Can ride a two-wheel bicycle with training wheels.
- Throws and catches a ball with more ease and accuracy (also requires fine motor skills and good hand-eye coordination).
Skyler
Skyler is tying her shoe.
Kylie
Kylie is jumping rope.
John
John is riding a two-wheel bicycle with training wheels.
Emotional Characteristics
- Crave praise and approval, easily hurt and disturbed.
- Often stubborn and quarrelsome.
- Resent being given directions, and their first response is likely to be "No!".
- Experience rapid mood changes.
- Beginning to feel a deep feeling of happiness and joy, leading to appreciation of more activities.
- Can enjoy music or dance lessons and organized sports.
Social Characteristics
- Want everything, and want to do things their way.
- Friends are usually of the same sex, but play readily in mixed groups.
- Enjoy group and organized games.
- When they are tired of playing a game, they simply drop out of the game.
- Have no regard for team effort.
Physical Care
Dressing
- Encourage children to dress themselves.
- Allow children to dress themselves.
- Fabric should be comfortable.
- Allow room from growth.
- Choose items that allows the child to easily distinguish front and back.
- Choose economical clothing because they outgrow it so quickly.
- Consider appropriateness for the occasion and activity for both clothing and shoes.
- Remember safety: no loose cords, no name on the outside clothes.
- Flame-resistant clothing.
Grooming
- Children are less interested in bathing than as toddlers.
- Praise can encourage the child to continue good hygiene habits.
Nutrition
- Proper nutrition is important; it helps the body meet its growth needs and resist infections.
- It is important for adults to model good nutrition behavior so that the child will do the same.
- Choose good snacks that are low in salt, fat, sugar, and calories.
Toileting and accidents
- Most children have few accidents.
- Accidents usually occur because the child is concentrating on the activity in which he/she is involved.
Sleeping
- Children need ten to twelve hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
- Bedtime routine is still important.