Some worries, like fear of the doctor and the dark, continue into this age, so parents should keep the nightlight ready. Children at this age are becoming more aware of their social roles and are starting to value their peer relationships above all else. Pressures to fit in as well as a desire to prove their worth and ability can lead to frequent worries about failure or rejection from social groups. Increased pressure in school can also be a cause of anxiety. Additional worries at this age might be:
- Fear of being hurt or kidnapped by someone
- Fear of being home alone
- Horror movies or frightening figures from TV or other media
- Worry that something might happen to their parents, especially when children are separated from them
- Worries about death and dying
- Fear of illness, disease, or germs
- Anxiety about school or sports performance, especially if parent or teacher expectations are high
- Bullying or being picked on
- Worries about disappointing parents or teachers
- Fear of heights
- Worries about things seen on the news or the internet or overheard conversations among adults, especially if they are confusing or difficult to understand
Learn about when you should consider seeking anxiety treatment for your child.
What Developmental Changes Do 8-11 Year Old Children Experience?
Often referred to as middle childhood, this time is marked with continued cognitive growth and development. Kids of this age keep developing and improving their fine motor skills and physical coordination. They show more interest in organized sports or other activities. They are beginning to develop a sense of individualism that might be defined by their clothes, personal style, possessions, and unique interests. Physical growth tends to be a little slower during this time, although it is not uncommon for little growth spurts to occur before puberty.
Motor Skills
- Coloring in the lines & refined fine motor skills
- Greater sense of balance, coordination, and athletic ability; rides a bicycle
- Improved overall strength, climbs or swings
- Interest and participation in sports
- Ability to write improves
Speech And Language Skills
- Vocabulary continues to grow, developing stronger command of grammar
- Asks more difficult questions
- Telling more complex, detailed stories and tales
- Writing to communicate thoughts
- Beginning to understand sarcasm and more subtle forms of communication
Cognitive Skills
- Using language to predict and draw conclusions
- Using longer, more complex words, phrases, and sentences
- Understanding comparisons
- Able to have longer, more complex conversations
- Better listeners with a longer attention span
- More conversational, might be more comfortable talking to strangers
Play And Social Skills
- Social pressure and friendships are becoming more important, sometimes more so than family
- Pushing for independence
- May start to see parents and adults as having flaws, starts to rebel
Pediatric Anxiety Treatment At Austin Anxiety And OCD Specialists
If your child is experiencing anxiety call Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists at (512) 246-7225 or email us at hel[email protected] to schedule an appointment with one of our child psychologists.