8 years old

Your child is firmly in mid-childhood, fun years of remarkable capability and quick learning coupled with a pretty agreeable personality and growing self-sufficiency.

Strategies for breaking up quarrels between siblings.

Sometimes a baby tooth falls out and its replacement fails to show up for months. What's happening?

How to encourage your child's naturally healthful eating habits.

Most children have the ability to pronounce most sounds by now.

Eight-year-olds tend to be sound sleepers.

Concepts your child is probably ready for in third grade.

Your child may be a motormouth who happily narrates her day for you. Eights typically love to describe their interests.

Computer games have become the go-to amusement for 21st century kids. But kids still love other types of playthings.

Harness your child's energy and desire to please by involving her in household chores.

Increasingly, your child’s sense of herself comes from her peers.

Your child is physically stronger and more confident than ever.

You're probably seeing more signs of your child's independence these days. Some are heartening – like the universal fascination with secret forts and kids-only clubhouses. Others are distressing, like hearing your child say he hates you.

Your child has a good sense of what's going on in the household and can read its emotional temperature.

Will your child need braces?

School-age kids often love their own secret places, such as tree houses and forts.

Extracurricular activities expose a child to new experiences that help her learn and grow.

Limiting screen time in your household.

Kids are getting cell phones earlier and earlier.

Kids this age are more and more influenced by people outside their families.

Nutritionists tend to favor snack times for early-elementary-age students.

"I hate you!" They're ugly words and painful to hear. How seriously should you take them?

Many experts believe that kids become spoiled when things come too easily.

Someone once described whining as "anxiety forced through a small tube," and that's sure what it sounds like.

As your 8-year-old gains a sense of history, he may become fascinated with his own family tree.

What's a parent to do when her little dancer or athlete or scout decides he's had enough and doesn't want to do an extracurricular activity any longer?

Causes of sleep disturbances in 8-year-olds

School-age children whose lives are becoming more complex often become forgetful.

Boys and girls can definitely handle their own showers or baths now.

Camp, and the independence it brings, can be a thrilling and confidence-building experience.

Your child is developing a strong sense of right and wrong. This is a natural and useful development.

Between 8 and 12, many children enjoy spooky, scary stories.

At 8, kids still love collecting but what they collect changes.

Thinking about giving your child an allowance?

Tips on fostering your child's ability to become a good student.

Boy-girl friendships may start to fade -- or not, depending on the kids.

Impudence may be copied from sassy friends or TV characters.

Having strong memory skills will serve your child well in his school years.

How your child's self-esteem relates to the opinions of her peers.

Find out which math skills your child will be expected to know before fourth grade.

Is reading an endangered skill?

Here you are, on the brink of 9! What can you expect in the coming year?

Do you consider your child a preteen at this tender age?

If your child wants a big birthday bash (and many third graders do), here are some things to consider.

Most human beings hate to lose. Some young kids take it especially hard.

Here's what you need to know about physical fitness at age 8.

Brothers and sisters spend a lot of energy competing with one another. Yet trying to make things even isn't the solution.

How to handle a constant interrupter who is Impatient and full of things to say