There are signs of growing independence. Common fears include the unknown, failure, death, family problems, and rejection. Friends may live in the same neighborhood and are most commonly the same sex. Children act nurturing and commanding with younger children but follow and depend on older children. Children are beginning to see the point of view of others more clearly.
Children define themselves in terms of their appearance, possessions, and activities.
Children often resolve conflict through peer judges who accept or reject their actions. Tattling is a common way to attract adult attention in the early years of middle childhood. Inner control is being formed and practiced each time decisions are made. Around age 6-8, children may still be afraid of monsters and the dark. These are replaced later by fears of school or disaster and confusion over social relationships.