Common Characteristics of Nine-Year-Olds

The enthusiasm of eight often turns into brooding and worrying at nine. Nines tend to be critical of the world around them – nothing seems fair to a nine-year-old. But nine can also be a time of budding intellectual curiosity. Children this age look hard for explanations of how things work and why things happen as they do.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

v Very competitive, yet may form cliques

v Complain a lot; criticize self and others (including adults)

v Often say, “I hate it,” “I can’t”, It’s boring”, etc.

v Like to work with same-gender partner

v Can work in groups but with lots of arguing

v Enjoy exaggeration, “dirty” jokes, and graffiti

v Need adults to be patient and explain clearly

v Need adult lightheartedness, humor, and encouragement to lighten their mood and relieve anxiety

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

v Worry about world events, parents’ health, friends, school, etc.

v Work hard and pay attention to detail, but may jump quickly between interests

v Less imaginative than at eight years old

v Want factual explanations; enjoy scientific exploration

v Have trouble understanding abstractions such as large numbers, long periods of time, and vast areas of space

v Love language and word play

v Begin to see the bigger world, including issues of justice and fairness

v Enjoy “interest” clubs such as stamp collecting, chess, or rock collecting clubs

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

v Coordination is better; boys love to rough-house

v Like to push physical limits; get tired easily

v Complain about aches, pains, and injuries

v Restless; can’t sit still for long

v May bite nails or twist hair to relieve tension