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Middle childhood: Science's forgotten developmental stage
Between ages six and 12, children undergo profound psychological changes that lay the groundwork for adolescence and adulthood, yet this period has long been neglected in research, experts say.
The wobbly-tooth puberty phenomenon
German psychologists use the term Wackelzahnpubertät-or "wobbly-tooth puberty"-to describe the sudden mood swings that often emerge around age six. Unlike hormonal adolescence, this phase stems from psychological rather than biological shifts.
"Aggressive outbursts, defiant behavior, and deep sadness are hallmarks of this stage," notes the German magazine Wunderkind. A UK-based doctoral researcher in psychology, Evelyn Antony, explains that children at this age begin constructing their identity and navigating complex social dynamics, which can trigger emotional turbulence.
A critical but understudied phase
While infancy and adolescence have been extensively researched, middle childhood-spanning ages six to 12-has been dubbed the "forgotten years" by some psychologists. Antony points out that most studies focus on early development (when children learn to walk and talk) or teenage rebellion, leaving this intermediate stage overlooked.
Recent research, however, is shedding light on the cognitive and emotional transformations occurring during this period. Children develop greater emotional regulation, an advanced "theory of mind" (the ability to understand others' perspectives), and foundational logical reasoning skills. In France, this stage is even called l'âge de raison-the age of reason.
Emotional regulation and social growth
By middle childhood, children transition from relying on adults to soothe their emotions to managing feelings independently. Language plays a key role, allowing them to articulate needs and label emotions, which engages the prefrontal cortex and calms the amygdala.
Yet new challenges arise: children must navigate friendships, follow rules, and assert their independence. Simone Dobbelaar, a postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University, highlights that this period marks the emergence of "reciprocal friendships," where children learn the give-and-take of relationships.
Christopher Osterhaus of the University of Vechta found that children's theory of mind-measured through tasks like the "Sally Anne" test-sharpens significantly between ages five and seven. This leap enables them to track multiple perspectives, reducing loneliness and fostering deeper social connections.
The double-edged sword of social awareness
While advanced social reasoning enhances empathy, it can also breed self-consciousness. A study by Wouter Wolf at Utrecht University revealed that the "liking gap"-the tendency to underestimate how much others like us-first appears at age five and intensifies during middle childhood.
Dobbelaar's research demonstrates this duality: children who develop stronger perspective-taking skills are more likely to show kindness to excluded peers but may also grapple with heightened self-doubt.
Supporting children through the transition
Experts emphasize the role of adults in guiding children through these changes. Antony advocates for "emotion coaching," where caregivers validate feelings and teach cognitive reappraisal-reframing upsetting events to reduce distress.
Osterhaus suggests discussing social dilemmas, real or fictional, to help children analyze others' motivations. For example, if a friend acts rudely, adults can encourage children to consider external factors (like fatigue) rather than taking it personally.
"These skills require practice," Antony notes, "but over time, children learn to navigate their emotions and relationships with greater resilience."
Looking ahead
As research into middle childhood expands, scientists are uncovering how this phase shapes long-term well-being. The insights gained could help parents, educators, and policymakers better support children as they transition from early dependence to adolescent independence.
For now, the "wobbly-tooth puberty" serves as a reminder that even challenging behaviors signal growth-a child's first steps toward understanding themselves and the world around them.
