How do children in middle childhood usually define success?

Children in middle childhood, typically defined as ages 6 to 12, often begin to develop a sense of competence and mastery in various domains. During this stage, their self-esteem is closely linked to their ability to master skills and perform successfully in competitions. As they engage with their peers, they become increasingly aware of their abilities in comparison to others, and achieving success in activities—be it sports, academics, or arts—plays a crucial role in how they define their self-worth and identity.

Mastering skills and succeeding in competitions provides tangible evidence of their accomplishments, fostering a sense of pride and building confidence. As children receive feedback based on their performance and skill mastery, they are motivated to continue developing their abilities, which in turn reinforces their self-concept and societal interactions.

In contrast, while praise from parents, social acceptance, and participation in activities are all important to children, they do not directly correlate to their understanding of success in the same way that mastery and competition do. Social dynamics and parental feedback do influence a child's self-esteem, but in middle childhood, the focus typically shifts towards individual achievement and peer comparisons, driving their perception of success in a more skill-oriented manner.