Section 3.2 Postnatal development

3.3. Moral development in middle childhood

•    Understanding rules and consequences: Children learn that rules are important and that actions have results. They begin to follow rules more willingly, not just to avoid punishment but because they understand why the rules exist.

•    Developing empathy: Children start to care more about how others feel. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes and feel sorry if someone is hurt.

•    Better moral thinking: They don’t just think, “What happens if I get caught?” but start thinking about why something is right or wrong. They consider people’s intentions and what is fair.

•    Learning right from wrong: Children begin to understand that some rules (like being kind or telling the truth) are more important than others (like classroom routines). They start to see moral rules as what’s truly right.

•    Influence of friends: Friends become important. Children watch what others do and learn by talking and playing together. They practice being fair, honest, and kind during games and group work.

•    Moral identity and feelings: Children start to think about what kind of person they want to be. If they do something wrong, they may feel guilty or ashamed because they know it doesn’t match their values.