Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

When assessing a school age child's development, what is a primary developmental task for this age group?

1. Developing friends

2. Learning to read

3. Learning to trust

4. Developing independence

The correct answer is: Developing friends

For school-age children, the primary developmental task revolves around the formation of friendships and developing social skills. During this stage, children begin to interact more with their peers and place significant value on these relationships. Friendships provide opportunities for children to learn cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. Establishing friendships is critical as it enhances their social development and helps in building self-esteem. This peer interaction is essential for children to navigate social norms, gain acceptance, and develop a sense of belonging. While learning to read, developing independence, and learning to trust are also important aspects of development, the formation of friendships stands out as a key task during the school-age years, as children become more socially aware and begin to prioritize their relationships with peers outside the family unit.