Friendships
The nine year old has good peer and family relationships. Fairness is extremely important to her. She is not as likely to blame others, but insists that everyone fairly share blame and praise. She is sensitive to criticism, however, and is easily embarrassed and upset. Cliques and bullies can be very hurtful now; so she needs to find friendships that are positive and true to cope with the peer world at school.
Nine year olds continue some interest in boy-girl relationships, though it all has a matter of fact, impersonal quality to it. There is lots of teasing, note passing, breaking up, and intervention by friends surrounding these early boy-girl relationships.
Nine year olds often have one best friend, with whom they love to talk endlessly. They are very critical of the opposite sex and boys and girls rarely play together. Organized, large group play is still enjoyed, especially baseball and soccer. They often form short-lived informal clubs, and also enjoy participating in formal clubs such as Scouts.
The nine year old child's relationship with his parents, especially with Mom, is much improved; though a certain distance sets in due to the eight-year old transition in self-development. Girls especially begin to get along well with siblings, and can be given the responsibility of watching a younger child. She is kinder to her younger siblings now, less likely to be strict or mean to them.
First > Introduction to The Nine-Year Old - Routines
Child Development - The Nine-Year Old
At Home
At School
At Play
