Which pediatric development period includes ages 8 to 12?

The period of development that includes ages 8 to 12 is known as middle childhood. During this stage, children experience significant cognitive, emotional, and social growth. They develop more complex thinking abilities, begin forming deeper relationships outside of the family, and gain increased independence and self-regulation. This age range is marked by critical developments in language, academic skills, and peer interactions, laying the groundwork for the transition into adolescence.

The other stages—early childhood, adolescence, and infancy—do not encompass this specific age range. Early childhood typically refers to the ages from birth to about 5 or 6 years, focusing on foundational skills and initial socialization. Adolescence starts around age 12 and continues into the late teenage years, characterized by more profound physical, emotional, and social changes. Infancy covers the period from birth to about 1 year, a time dominated by rapid physical growth and initial bonding experiences.