The number of stages of child development can vary depending on the specific developmental theory. Because no concrete markers exist to determine the dividing line between one stage and another, and each child progresses differently, child development stages are largely subjective. However, three general stages can be identified that give a sense of the developmental markers that most children should meet within the time range.
Early Childhood
Early childhood spans from birth to around 8 years of age. Physical growth within the first years is significant. Children learn motor skills such as how to walk and manipulate objects with their hands. They develop language at around age 3, and a child's vocabulary grows exponentially through age 8. In early childhood, children form strong emotional attachments. Their sense of right and wrong is initially based on learning that there are consequences for actions, rather than understanding why they should avoid these actions. By the end of early childhood, the selfish perspective begins to give way to meaningful social relationships.
Middle Childhood
Middle childhood ranges from around age 8 to age 12. In this stage, the rapid physical development experienced in early childhood steadies out. Children become more concerned with independence and begin to express themselves while trying to please their growing social network. They are highly aware of others' opinions and find negative attention very upsetting. Middle childhood will temper the me-first attitude of early childhood, but it comes with a strong desire for approval. Children may become interested in the opposite sex when they first discover gender differences. The onset of puberty may mark the end of middle childhood.
Adolescence
Adolescence begins when children start to experience sexual maturity through puberty and spans through age 18 when most children leave the home and become independent to a much greater degree. Teens develop an interest in the opposite sex as their hormone levels increase, which can also lead to moodiness. Adolescence is marked by a strong sense of personal identity. Social pressure is at its greatest during adolescence, and teens use these years to define who they are and where they fit in. By the end of adolescence, they have learned to think abstractly and approach problems from different angles. They are keenly aware of what others think about them, at times letting their imaginations about the perceptions of others run wild.
