As children grow, our expectations for their social emotional, learning, and physical development change.
Outlines for Behavior
Below are brief outlines that describe changes to expect within each age range, along with positive parenting tips and suggestions for keeping your child safe. Additional resources for child development can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website.
Pre-K
What to expect and suggestions for parents:
Social Emotional Changes – Learns to play with other children.
Thinking and learning – Recalls parts of a story and sings songs.
Positive Parenting Tips – Continue to read to your child. Nurture her love for books by taking her to the library or bookstore.
Safety First – Tell your child why it is important to stay out of traffic.
Healthy Bodies – Eat meals with your child as much as possible.
6-8 years
What to expect and suggestions for parents:
Social Emotional Changes – Shows more independence from family.
Thinking and learning – Increases concern for others’ feelings.
Positive Parenting Tips – Help your child develop a sense of responsibility —ask him to help with household tasks, such as setting the table.
Safety First – Talk to you child about how to ask for help when it is needed.
Healthy Bodies – Make sure that your child has one or more hours of physical activity per day.
9-11 years
What to expect and suggestions for parents:
Social Emotional Changes – Experiences more peer pressure.
Thinking and learning – Faces more academic challenges at school.
Positive Parenting Tips – Spend time with your child. Talk with her about her friends, her accomplishments, and what challenges she will face.
Safety First – Know where your child is and whether a responsible adult is present.
Healthy Bodies – Limit screen time to no more than 1-2 hours.
12-14 years
What to expect and suggestions for parents:
Social Emotional Changes – Shows more concern about body image, looks and clothes.
Thinking and learning – Becomes better able to express feelings through talking.
Positive Parenting Tips – Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sex.
Safety First – Make sure that your child understands the importance of wearing helmets while riding bikes or skateboards, and the importance of wearing seatbelts in the car.
Healthy Bodies – Encourage your teen to be physically active.
15-17 years
What to expect and suggestions for parents:
Social Emotional Changes – Has more interest in romantic relationships.
Thinking and learning – Learns more defined work habits.
Positive Parenting Tips – Talk with your teen about her concerns and pay attention to any changes in her behavior.
Safety First – Talk with your teen about the dangers of driving and how to be safe on the road.
Healthy Bodies – Monitor screen time to ensure that your child gets enough sleep.
