As your child grows from a grade-schooler to a preteen, you should expect many changes in different aspects of their lives. For instance, you’ll notice many changes in their favorite meals, hobbies, appearance, and more. Children aged 6-12 years often value friendships and become more involved in painting and sporting activities.

Here’s what parents should know about physical milestones for school-age children.

Key Physical Milestones for School-Age

Healthcare professionals use certain milestones to determine if a child to determine if your child is developing at the expected pace. Note that each child develops at their own pace, which is why there’s a broad range of what medical professionals consider normal. Therefore, talk to a specialist if you have concerns about your child’s growth and development.

Developmental milestones refer to a set of functional skills or abilities that a child should develop throughout their childhood. Pediatricians and educators use these milestones to assess if children are still on track. Here are the key physical developmental milestones for school-age children.

By 5 Years

By the time your child is five years old, he or she should be able to;

• Stand on one foot for at least 10 seconds
• Hop or skip (like skipping a rope)
• Perform a somersault
• Use a spoon and a fork. Sometimes, the child should be able to use a table knife
• Swing and climb safely
• Use the toilet correctly and independently
• Improve coordination between legs, arms, and the entire body

Note that you shouldn’t use the physical milestones mentioned to evaluate your child’s actual development. It’s simply a guide for what physical developments to expect. Any concerns about delayed development should be discussed with a specialist.

6 Years to 8 Years

Between the ages of 6 and 8 years, you can expect your child to grow physically. There will be significant changes in their weight, height, and overall body appearance. Other physical milestones during this period include;

• Stronger motor skills. Balance and endurance will vary from one child to another
• Children in this age group begin to develop a sense of their body image
• Safe use of small tools such as scissors
• Tie shoelaces correctly
• Have quicker reaction time than kids aged 5 years or younger

It’s crucial to note that genetic background, physical activity, and nutrition can affect your child’s physical growth. Being an inch shorter than peers shouldn’t raise developmental concerns. 

9 Years to 12 Years

Here are the key physical milestones for school-age children aged 9-12 years.

• Becomes aware of their body as puberty changes begin to occur
• Begins to develop secondary sex-specific characteristics, such as body hair (for males) and breasts (females)
• Enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and bike riding
• Become more interested in team sports
• Takes personal hygiene seriously – brushing their teeth, hair, getting dressed, etc.

Another key physical milestone is that children in that age group like to build models, paint, draw, make jewelry, and engage in other activities that require fine motor skills.

The physical milestones for school-age kids can be difficult for families and parents to understand. As such, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns about your child’s development with a specialist.