By age 7, the human brain has grown to full size, but biologically and socially development is never completely finished. Expected developmental milestones occur throughout childhood, and each child develops at a slightly different pace. Many of the biological changes occurring during childhood involve children's brains, so social developments happen quickly as their world and its possibilities change and grow.
Preschool
Between ages 2 and 5, the brain grows from 75 percent its full weight to 95 percent its adult size, making cognitive developments rapid during these years. The left brain becomes developed enough to support language skills around 2 years old. The right hemisphere of the brain grows capable of shape recognition between ages 4 and 5. The frontal lobe and corpus callosum, areas responsible for behavior, emotions and problem-solving, grow rapidly around age 5. Children in this age group thrive with strict daily routines, enjoy choosing their own clothes and foods and prepare for daily events like bedtime by using rituals, such as brushing teeth then reading a bedtime story.
Early School
Children have usually developed enough to recognize letters and numbers around age 4, fine-tuning these skills around 5 years old when they can recognize the difference between "b" and "d." Jumping and running are done with good balance, permanent teeth begin growing in, children generally begin to appear thin and not chubby, have a vocabulary of more than 2,000 words and outgrow many of their earlier irrational fears. Due to maturation of the prefrontal cortex during this age, children sleep more regularly and temper tantrums subside as well.
Middle Childhood
Children older than 6 begin recognizing differences between boys and girls, still require around 10 hours of sleep each night and start to realize that actions bring reactions and behaviors can result in consequences. Physically, children begin to mature toward adulthood as puberty approaches, with widening hips or growing testes, but overall growth slows. Children at 8 years old have difficulty sitting for periods longer than 20 minutes, and fears of monsters are replaced with fears of school. By age 12, most children are almost as coordinated as adults.
Effects
Childhood development can be affected positively or negatively through genetics, health care and nutrition. Maltreatment of children, including abuse or neglect, negatively impacts growth and development by producing more aggressive, self-destructive types of adults. Accidents and injuries can also negatively affect growth. You can encourage your child's growth and development through encouragement, reading together, being physically active or taking part in sports. Giving your children responsibilities and chores appropriate for their age, spending time in creative play together and limiting television time are other ways to encourage proper development, according to MedlinePlus.
References
- University of Michigan: Chapter 8: Biosocial Develpment
- RCGates.com: The Play Years: Biosocial Development
- MedlinePlus: Development Milestones Record -- Age 5
- North Carolina State University: Childhood Years -- Ages Six Through Twelve
- National Institutes of Health: The Brain: Understanding Neurology
