Part IV: Middle Childhood

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Every age has joys and sorrows, gains and losses. But if you were pushed to choose one best time, you might select ages 6 to 11, when many people experience good health and steady growth as they master new athletic skills, learn thousands of words, and become less dependent on families. Usually, they appreciate their parents, make new friends, and proudly learn about their nation and religion. Life is safe and happy, the dangers of adolescence (drugs, early sex, violence) are not yet on the horizon.

Yet some adults remember these years as the worst, not the best. Some children may hate school, live in destructive families, have no permanent home, or contend with obesity, asthma, learning disabilities, or bullies. The next three chapters celebrate the joys and acknowledge the difficulties of ages 6 to 11.