A child's view of the world

The World Is My Oyster (5–7 years)
Self–Regulation/ Independence	Between ages 5–7 child begins to: Calm himself or herself down Focus Process Information Dress, wash and brush teeth with minimal support
Relationships	Show simultaneous interest in parents, peers and self Form relationships and play independently of parents at own or other child's house. Struggle with and assert own will with peers Better accept not getting own way with parents, peers

The World Is Other Kids (8–10 years)
Self–Regulation/ Independence	Between ages 8–10 child begins to: Concentrate for up to 1 1/2 hours, even on hard tasks (like homework) Complete some assignments on own Handle most self–care without support Fully participate in peer group Be concerned and involved with friends Rely on parents' "coaching" to handle complex peer relationships rather than rely on them as a substitute for those relationships. Compete with, be close to and frequently support sibblings. Work out natural tensions with parents Become the boss in appropriate situations
Communication/ Emotional Thinking	Organize ideas into understandable, logical communication – includin emotional issues. Experience competition without avoiding it or becoming too aggressive or disorganized.

The World Inside Me (11–12 years)
New Internal Yardstick	Between ages 11–12 child begins to: Define himself or herself by own qualities rather than by peers' perceptions only. Develop a sense of right and wrong, even if it differs from peer group.
Self–Regulation/ Independence	Concentrate and organize himself or herself enough to complete routine homework assignments and only ask for help when needed Handle all self–care
Relationships	Enjoy one or a few intimate friends and depend less on his or her position in the group. Take an interest in parents, teachers and other adults as role models. Secretly enjoy power struggles with the parent he or she depends on most to establish independence.
Communication/ Emotional Thinking	Observe and, to some degree, evaluate own communications. Understand and empathize better with other people's feelings. Master thinking about, and communicating, two competing feelings.