This Blob is often considered the easiest for young parents. During this stage, the left brain—the rational, logical part—of the child develops. Children begin to understand reason, logic, and morality, incorporating conclusions from both brain hemispheres. They start to see things from others’ perspectives more clearly and develop a longer attention span. At least in the first half of this Blob, parents are still seen as “The Best” and “All-Knowing.”

Cognitive and Motor Development

This is the stage of elementary schooling, where children learn by observing and through guidance. Their fine motor skills, like tying shoelaces, improve, and they master balancing, catching, and throwing. They also develop essential cognitive skills, such as reading, writing, and math. Vocabulary expands significantly, and their long-term knowledge base grows.

Children start to understand responsibility and the concept of consequences (“If I don’t do my homework, I won’t perform well in tests”). They learn to follow rules and, at times, bend them. They develop individual approaches to solving problems in an environment that requires a balance between support, guidance, and independent problem-solving. Frequent encouragement and praise foster a strong belief in their competence, while over-criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.

Social Growth and Independence

Over time, children in this Blob become more independent, and their social circle expands beyond family and family friends. Unlike the previous stage, they begin to find their own friends, often within their neighbourhood and school. Friendships become emotionally significant, and children may experience peer pressure or bullying. However, dependence on the family remains strong, with most after-school activities organized by parents. Due to emotional development and physical changes, children acquire a stronger sense of right and wrong. A developing sense of maturity and the capacity to construct a vibrant inner world full of fantasies, heroes, and adventures are brought about by this stage. Early habits shape a child’s sense of self and social responsibility and become deeply embedded in their character.

During these years, children engage in structured learning. They strive to feel competent, comparing themselves with peers. Erikson’s Industry vs. Inferiority stage highlights the importance of feeling capable and effective. Positive feedback encourages industry, while repeated failures or harsh criticism can lead to feelings of inferiority. In many Asian countries, children spend significant time mastering academic and extracurricular activities. Success in school is highly valued, and structured learning fosters a sense of industry, though it may come with pressures to excel.

Physical Changes

During this stage, baby teeth are lost, and the first signs of gender-specific physical changes start to appear, especially towards the end of the Blob. On average, boys are about two years behind girls in physical maturation. Children, particularly girls, become more aware of their bodies, which can sometimes lead to eating disorders.

Mental Development

Mentally, children begin to understand and manage emotions. Their personalities develop as they critically evaluate the information they’ve gathered, connecting the dots and drawing conclusions. They start to distinguish between reality and fantasy, which can lead to a reassessment of childhood beliefs, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. They may also begin to challenge their parents’ views and seek role models outside of the family. Despite this growing independence, they still hold somewhat idealistic dreams about the future, such as becoming pilots or astronauts.

Family Dynamics and Technology

A growing trend in this Blob is the increasing number of children living with divorced parents, either with one parent or in shared custody arrangements. According to the OECD family database, data from 2015 shows that, on average, 83% of children still live with both parents, though this varies significantly across countries. For example, in the United States, it’s 69%, compared to 96% in Finland. Around 10% of children across the OECD live in “reconstituted” households, while nearly 15% live in single-parent households, most often with their mother. In Sweden, the language has even adapted to this trend, referring to step-parents or step-siblings as “bonus-mama/papa” or “bonus-sister/brother,” giving the concept a positive spin.

Technology plays an increasingly significant role in the lives of children in this age group. Access to smartphones, tablets, and on-demand videos has become more prominent, with many children engaging in tech-based play. This shift can negatively impact creativity and imagination, while also hindering optimal sensory and motor development. Children today are often more passive and sedentary, facing sensory over-stimulation that can interfere with the development of traditional skills associated with this stage. Moreover, unrestricted access to content can expose them to age-inappropriate material, such as violence or pornography, making it challenging for parents to monitor their activity.

However, technology also has its benefits. According to Nicholas Carr, an American author on technology and culture, the internet can strengthen children’s ability to scan and process information quickly, in contrast to reading, which fosters focus and imagination. Jim Taylor, a professor from San Francisco, noted in Psychology Today that video games can improve visual-spatial skills, attention, reaction times, and the ability to identify details. Despite these advantages, it’s crucial to regulate screen time and ensure children also have ample opportunities for physical activity, human connection, and exposure to nature to develop essential skills for their age.

Balancing Independence and Support

To sum up, as in the previous stage, children in this Blob need the freedom to learn from their mistakes while still having the guidance and emotional security of a loving family. With the right balance, they can develop into confident, capable individuals who are ready for the next steps in their journey.

How do you manage technology use for children in this age group? What challenges have you faced?

Download the Life Stages in Blobs Worksheet now and start your child’s journey!

Click here for Blob 3: Adolescent

or read about any other Blob:
Spring: 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19-24
Summer: 25-30, 31-36, 37-42, 43-48
Autumn: 49-54, 55-60, 61-66, 67-72
Winter: 73-78, 79-84, 85-91, 91-…