What are the different stages of childhood?

Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash

Whilst everyone has fond memories of their childhood, if we asked you what happened at different stages of your childhood, would you be able to tell us? In this article, we look at each step of the process in a child becoming a fully-fledged young adult and what to expect along the way.

Let’s not waste any time. ⤵

Three stages to childhood

There are three stages to childhood that are defined as early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence. The lines can blur between each stage but this is a helpful guide to mark each milestone of growing up.

Early Childhood

From birth until you’re eight years old. During their first year, it is easiest to mark your child's growth through the development of their overall skills.

By the age of three, your little bundle of joy will have doubled in height and quadrupled in weight - not so little anymore! He or she will be walking, toilet training and be engaging in playtime. Curious as to when children start talking? Check out this blog post.

Up to five years old and we’re at the pre-school years. Things are starting to take off from here as your child fine-tunes their motor skills, whilst their body grows proportionally. But it's not all physical though, social and emotional development should show your child looking for their parents or carer, as well as for approval or a response.

At the end of their early childhood - age eight, your child should be able to understand basic concepts like time and money. Their personality will begin to shine through as well as social relationships in school.

Middle Childhood

From eight to twelve years old. At this stage, we are coasting with little in the way of changing. The primary skill here is learning how to integrate and become part of a society, whilst building on their forming friendships - this will help prepare them for adolescence and adulthood. 

Physical growth will be steady but less dramatic than in early childhood, until puberty hits. The age at which kids hit puberty naturally varies, but females tend to be the gender that starts earlier, and as early as eight years old.

Adolescence

From twelve to eighteen years old. This is the big one, the one where hormones are flying and everything is changing on a physical and emotional level as they are no longer so little and dependant on you. It will come as no surprise to learn that frequent mood swings & fluctuating behaviours are common, but will eventually even out as they mature.

Expect growth to begin accelerating once more as they eat everything in sight. Height can go up by 4 inches and weight by up to 10 pounds per year!  Some “late bloomers” may not see this at first, then all of a sudden it can happen in a year - this is in particular common with boys. 

It is also an important period for cognitive development, and how to reason or solve problems and ideas. This all goes to support their independence and emotional maturity.

Your child’s development

The journey of childhood is a unique adventure in which you can expect no two days to be the same. Please take these stages as a guide and not a rule, but if you do have concerns, talk to a pediatrician for professional advice.