A child with leukemia will not have the same physical development as a healthy child. Between the ages of 6 and 8, children slowly begin to gain height and weight. The child with leukemia may grow more slowly and may lose weight instead of gaining it. Another important stage that children at this age go through is self-aware emotions. The child may feel self-conscious because he looks and lives very differently from his peers. This can upset them emotionally. Peers who are unaware of their illnesses may tease and bully the child, making them emotional.