Social Emotional Development - 7 Year Olds
“The more risks you allow your children to make, the better they learn to look after themselves.” ~ Roald Dahl
As we make our way through the ages, we are now onto our cheerful seven year olds. Each of our unique little ones will be rapidly developing and learning. Here we will break down what to expect to see.
Starting to distinguish between emotions and experience more complex emotions
Increasing ability to problem solve and cope with emotional situations
Starting to consider other people’s perspectives and interpret information
Beginning to understand different people have different emotional responses to the same stimuli
Increasing awareness into social norms and what is acceptable and what other people think of them
This can include masking emotions
Increasing patience
Beginning to assume more responsibility
Holding seemingly contradictory emotions (e.g. angry with someone they love)
Pushing boundaries and limits of their capabilities (e.g. risk taking)
Developing personal set of morals and values
As we understand these milestones, what can caregivers do to support this development?
Making observational statements about what you are noticing. This helps build attunement between you and your child, and increase awareness into how our bodies show emotions.
“I noticed you looked away and became quiet when I asked about your math test”
Encouraging children to name things they are good at, enjoy, or interested in - this will help boost their self-esteem
Helping your child problem solve and come up with solutions
Letting your child correct their mistakes and encouraging positive self-talk around mistakes
Giving your child more household responsibilities
Highlighting cause and effect and how their actions affect other people
Encouraging your child to express their opinion
Scheduling time for outdoor play and activities
If you have any questions, please feel encouraged to reach out christina@christinakingfamilytherapy.com.
Yours In Service,
Christina King, LMFT 145704
Citations and Resources:
Wood, Chip. 2017. Yardsticks: Child and Adolescent Development 4-14 (4th ed). Center for Responsive Schools.
(2024, May 16). Positive Parenting Tips: Middle Childhood (6-8 years old). CDC, Child Development. https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/middle-childhood-6-8-years.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html