Child Development Stages
Select ONE of the prompts below to respond to in this week’s discussion.
- You are a nurse at a pediatrician’s office meeting with a family whose child is in middle childhood. During the visit, the parents ask you about their child’s nutrition and sleep needs. Provide a synopsis on what you would tell the family about basic nutrition and sleep needs for this age group. (USLO 5.1)
- You are a school nurse at an elementary school and are asked to attend this month’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting to give a presentation on childhood obesity to the parents, teachers, and staff attending the program. Explain what information you would include in your presentation (USLO 5.1).
- Describe your understanding of Piaget’s concrete operational stage and define at least 3 of the concrete operational “sub-skills” discussed in our text (i.e. classification, identity etc.). Also, describe at least one observation you might expect to see from a child that would demonstrate they have mastered one of the sub-skills. (USLO 5.2)
- Demonstrate your understanding of Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development by coming up with an original moral dilemma example. Give examples of how someone in the the pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional stages might respond to your moral dilemma. (USLO 5.3).
- Describe the influence of peers in middle childhood development. Define and give an example of each of the five stages of friendship. (USLO 5.3).
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Child Development Stages
Importance of Peer Influence
During middle childhood, peers begin to play a central role in development. Children start spending more time with friends than family. Peers influence behaviors, social skills, academic motivation, and emotional regulation. This age group is particularly sensitive to inclusion and exclusion, which can affect their self-esteem. Positive peer relationships can support healthy development, while negative peer experiences, like bullying, can lead to emotional struggles.
Stages of Friendship
There are five key stages of friendship in middle childhood. Momentary playmateship (ages 3–7) is based on proximity. One-way assistance (ages 4–9) views friends as people who do what they want. Two-way cooperation (ages 6–12) involves mutual give and take. Intimate sharing (ages 9–15) includes trust and emotional support. Autonomous interdependence (age 12+) involves respect for individuality. Each stage reflects a deeper understanding of others and friendship.
Real-life Example of Stages
A child in the two-way cooperation stage might say, “I help Emily clean up, and she helps me with homework.” This shows a mutual and balanced friendship. In contrast, a younger child in the one-way assistance stage may say, “Mark is my friend because he lets me use his crayons,” which shows a more self-centered understanding. Observing these shifts helps caregivers and educators support social development.
Supporting Healthy Peer Relationships
Adults can support children by teaching conflict resolution and empathy. Encouraging inclusive activities promotes a sense of belonging. Open discussions about friendship help children understand their feelings. School programs that teach social-emotional skills also reduce bullying and increase prosocial behavior. When guided well, peer influence becomes a strong force for positive growth.
