6 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

Every child grows and develops in their own unique way - there’s no single path or perfect timeline. The early years are a time of incredible change and it’s completely normal for children to move through different stages at their own pace. You might notice your child showing skills or behaviours that overlap across several age groups or developing certain abilities earlier or later than expected - that’s all part of their individual journey.

It’s also worth remembering that there can be a big difference between a child who has just turned six and one who is nearly seven. Development doesn’t happen in a straight line; it’s full of leaps, pauses and moments of sudden growth.

Children thrive when they feel loved, understood, important and safe - something I have talked about a great deal here. When these foundations are in place, their brains are ready and eager to learn.

In this post, we’ll explore what life looks like with a six year old - a stage where children are growing in confidence, empathy and independence, yet still need plenty of reassurance and connection. This isn’t a checklist, but a way to understand and celebrate how your child is growing right now.

What Is Normal Behaviour for a 6 Year Old?

Six year olds are beginning to understand more about themselves and the world around them. They’re developing empathy, forming strong friendships and starting to think about how they compare to others.

Typical behaviours may include:

• Showing competitive behaviour or comparing themselves to others (“I can run faster than you!” or “I’m not as good at running as them!”)

• Wanting privacy or alone time - a sign of growing self-awareness

• Beginning to see and understand someone else’s point of view

• Developing self-critical thoughts (“I’m not good at this”)

• Starting to regulate emotions more often - though still needing support

• Feeling easily embarrassed or sensitive to feedback

• Continuing to need help with daily hygiene tasks like toothbrushing

• Still enjoying play with familiar toys and imaginative games

• Showing improved balance and coordination in physical activities

• Possibly able to ride a bike or join early sports

• Experiencing separation anxiety, which can still be normal at this age

• Becoming more aware of how others are feeling - empathy is growing

💡 Tip: Offer gentle reassurance and praise effort, not just results. Six year olds are starting to form opinions about their abilities and need encouragement to build confidence.

Communication and Language Development at 6 Years Old

Language and communication are becoming more sophisticated. Children this age enjoy conversation, storytelling and humour - and they’re beginning to use language to reason and problem-solve.

You might notice your 6 year old:

• Expressing complex ideas and emotions in conversation

• Enjoying wordplay, jokes and riddles

• Using more descriptive and connecting words (“although” “unless” “instead”)

• Asking deep or curious questions about how things work or why people act a certain way

• Retelling events in logical order with lots of detail

• Listening to and understanding longer stories

✨ Tip: Encourage conversation by asking open-ended questions and letting them share their thoughts without rushing to correct them.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

At six, emotional growth takes centre stage. Children are learning to navigate friendships, self-image and the beginnings of emotional regulation.

You may notice your child:

• Beginning to understand others’ feelings and respond with empathy

• Managing emotions more effectively but still needing adult help at times

• Feeling proud of achievements but also disappointed when things go wrong

• Showing self-consciousness or embarrassment in social situations

• Developing closer friendships and caring deeply about fairness

• Becoming more independent, yet still needing reassurance and connection

💡 Tip: Talk openly about mistakes and emotions. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel upset or unsure - emotional literacy builds resilience.

Physical Development

Six year olds are gaining control, strength, and coordination. They’re becoming more confident movers and often enjoy physical challenges and games with rules.

You might see your child:

• Showing improved balance, coordination and body control

• Running, jumping, and skipping smoothly

• Learning to ride a bike or use playground equipment confidently

• Enjoying games and sports that involve simple rules and teamwork

• Managing fine motor skills with ease - writing, cutting, building

• Still needing some support with self-care routines like brushing teeth or washing hair

✨ Tip: Give plenty of opportunities for active play and outdoor exploration - physical activity supports both emotional and cognitive development.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Six year olds are developing empathy, independence, and emotional awareness.

• Competitive and self-critical thoughts are normal at this age.

• They may still need help calming down, managing frustration and caring for themselves.

• Encourage play, creativity, and effort over perfection.

• Keep communication open - children thrive when they feel safe, heard and understood.

5 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

7 Year Old Development: Milestones, Behaviour and What to Expect

Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better, so connection deepens, guidance becomes clearer and every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.