Children between the ages of 7 and 12 are said to be in middle childhood. Children at this age are continuing to develop their bodies and personalities. They are still learning at a rapid pace and experiencing drastic physical changes, according to the National Network for Child Care.
Features
Physical features of children in middle childhood vary widely. According to the National Network for Child Care, the pace at which children develop physically at this time can vary drastically, often making it difficult for kids to fit in and find a group in which they can feel comfortable. Development in middle childhood often guides a child's choice of sports and hobbies, as well as how she feels about herself.
Function
Large muscle groups are more developed than small ones in middle childhood. While children may become proficient in gross motor skill activities such as bouncing a ball, children in middle childhood may have more difficulty with finer skills such as coordinating running with bouncing a ball. To function at their best, children in middle childhood need between 10 and 11 hours of sleep each night, according to educational publisher, Magna Systems.
Significance
The middle years can be a significant time for children, as many developmental delays and physical conditions are identified at this time. According to Magna Systems, children can develop allergies and asthma between the ages of 7 and 12. They lose their baby teeth and develop their adult dental identity. Physical developmental delays may be short lived, but can significantly affect the emotional development of children who are not treated properly while they lag in physical development. Eating patterns become set during this period.
Potential
While the body is developing, the brain is growing as well. According to Magna Systems, potential for talent and fine motor skill development occurs rapidly during middle childhood. Children with a proclivity for the arts can increase their potential for success at this time while the brain increases the rate at which it signals the hands to perform the finer motor skills required by artists.
Warning
While their bodies become more mature, children between the ages of 7 and 12 have not developed sufficient reasoning and judgment to make wise decisions. They are more accident-prone during this stage, reports Magna Systems, because of their new-found independence and abilities. Accidents are the leading cause of fatalities in children under the age of 14.
