All the DAZE Productions: Child Development

Child Development

Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are
learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age
appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in
children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child
is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally.

The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child.

The 9 Year Old Child

Nine year olds are absorbed in their play interests and will spend hours at their chosen activities. They
enjoy solitary play - video games, tv, reading, dolls, construction sets, or crafts. Nine-year-old boys and
girls love sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball. They enjoy bicycling, skating, swimming,
and other forms of active play, though they are not as proficient at them as they will be at ten.

Many nine year olds will begin to show a great interest in reading. With these children, no pushing is
needed from parents. Simply providing the opportunity to check out library books or to buy books is all
parents need to do to help the child begin a lifelong love of books and reading. Some nine year olds are
very interested in music and learning to play a musical instrument. They will readily attend lessons and
practice to develop their skills. Other nines are obsessed with watching TV. Most nines know the days
and times of a long list of favorite TV programs. TV programs are a frequent topic of conversation
among nine year olds.

In late elementary and middle school your child experiences a period of tremendous intellectual, social-
emotional, and physical change. School demands increase, friends become as important as family, and
puberty begins to reshape her body. This is also a time when individual differences among children
become more apparent.

Patterns of Development
Are becoming more separate from their parents and almost resent their parents’ presence.

They dislike when adults “check up on them.” Are very independent and have a lot of self-motivation.

Have varied interests and days filled with activities. They usually take their activities more seriously than
younger children and try to do things just right.

Are like 7 year old children, in that they worry about everything. But, rather than worry silently like 7
year olds, 9 year old children complain. Their complaints are often related to health.

Like to collect anything and everything.

“Hate” the opposite sex but love to talk things over with same-sex friends. Having friends is important for
all school age children but becomes even more important at the age of 9.

- more quiet than 8
- more self contained, more independent
- form stronger, more complex friendships and peer relationships. It becomes more emotionally
important to have friends, especially of the same sex.
- experience more peer pressure.
- become more independent from the family.
- become more aware of his or her body as puberty approaches. Body image and eating problems
sometimes start around this age
- tends to resist too much "bossing" by his/her parents or teachers
- much more interested in friends than family
- it is important for adults not to impose themselves to much. He/She wants and need
his/her maturity, independence and separateness respected
- an age of perfecting skills
- may tend to worry
- may be an age of considerable rebellion
- maintain interest in team games and learning to perform skillfully
- better control own speed
- take an interest in development of own strength
- accomplish a variety of skills
- make finished products
- build complex structures
- use handwriting
- sketch and draw in detail
- learn to sew and knit
- take interest in watching games played by others
- succeed in cooperative activity, with interest in the success of the group
- think independently and critically
- write instead of print with skillful style
- take criticism if it is carefully phrased
- are self motivated
- likes to be busy
- sense of fairness is very important
- boys don't "like" girls; girls not quite so adamant about the boys
- willing to work at school work or skill in order to become proficient in them
- has varied emotions ranging from cheerful one minute to aggressive the next
- loves to collect things
- is beginning to develop a conscience
Begins to move away from close association with family to peer group though still needs family support
and encouragement.
Accepts household responsibilities and chores.
Begins to challenge family values with the values of peers and school.
Their moral judgment is limited by the inability to appreciate the views of
others.
Learning to accept the consequence of their actions.
Learning the nutritional value of "good foods" vs. junk food. Eats breakfast.
Sleeps 8-10 hours. Able to wake on time in the morning.
High energy level and muscular development require adequate opportunities for exercise.
Supervised sports program in and out of school.
TV watching limited.
Safety issues: Accident prone children investigate causes.( awkwardness, dare devil behavior to get the
attention of peers, unstable environment causing inattention and frustration.

Cognitive Development
Many nine year olds will begin to show a great interest in reading. With these children, no pushing is
needed from parents. Simply providing the opportunity to check out library books or to buy books is all
parents need to do to help the child begin a lifelong love of books and reading. Some nine year olds are
very interested in music and learning to play a musical instrument.

Memorizes and recites facts, but may not show deep understanding
reads to learn (rather than learning to read)
has a strong desire to complete tasks
keeps train of thought and will continue work even after interruptions
able to use a dictionary
very interested in mastering skills
critical thinking starting to emerge
beginning be aware of right and wrong (versus good and bad)

Language Development
Many nine year olds will begin to show a great interest in reading. With these children, no pushing is
needed from parents. Simply providing the opportunity to check out library books or to buy books is all
parents need to do to help the child begin a lifelong love of books and reading.

More complex sentences used.
Increased in vocabulary.
Careless enunciation observed

Physical Development
Development of secondary sex characteristics.
Girls growth spurt at 9-14 years. Breast enlargement at 8-13 years. Menses at 10-16 years.
Boys growth spurt at 10.5-13.5 years, enlarged testes at 9.5-13.5 years.
Uses tools, such as a hammer or small garden tools, fairly well
draws with great detail
may persist with an activity until exhausted
interested in own strength; boys enjoy wrestling

Social and Emotional Development
Nine year old children have reached a level of self-organization in which positive emotions are most
often felt. He shows more responsibility, independence, obedience, and ability to get along with others.
Nine likes to plan his days, and is persistent in completing his plans. Parents can enhance the nine year
old feelings of emotional security by encouraging this planning urge, talking about the family's plans,
and helping him to organize his days. Feelings of empathy and altruism are now apparent in the child,
and he is a good and devoted friend.

The nine year old is easily redirected when she exhibits negative emotions or bad behavior. When she
becomes upset, it is usually at herself, as she is sensitive to criticism and easily embarrassed. Because
this is a period of emotional integration, some emotional swings are still seen.

May experience wide mood swings
may be critical of self and others
may use physical complaints to avoid unpleasant tasks
often dislikes the opposite sex intensely
responsible; can be depended upon and trusted
puts great importance on fairness, in self and in others
likes to talk and share ideas

Typical Problems
Nine is very much concerned with the demands and constraints of time and space. His day is full of
places to be and tasks to be accomplished and he is concerned with the time allotted for each activity.
He plans his day, knowing what must be done and when, and often feels pressure to meet the demands
of doing all that must be done in a certain amount of time. Nine generally responds to this time pressure
by working hard, but with his tendency toward anxiety, wise parents may take the initiative to limit some
of his activities. Parents may also teach him to take one thing at a time and finish it to encourage a
sense of accomplishment and mastery.

Ideas for Care Givers

Spend time with your child. Talk with her about her friends, her accomplishments, and what challenges
she will face.

Be involved with your child’s school. Go to school events; meet your child’s teachers.

Give the children some freedom or independence. Allow children to be assertive. Avoid giving too many
instructions. Avoid interrupting when children are preoccupied

Encouraging child’s independence and remain open to their new experiences. Need to continue to make
time to listen. Give responsibility to child and holding them accountable.

Act as a moral guide and role model. Need to be consistent in holding children accountable to family
rules

Encourage your child to join school and community groups, such as a team sport, or to take advantage
of volunteer opportunities.

Help your child develop his own sense of right and wrong. Talk with him about risky things friends may
pressure him to do, like smoking or dangerous physical dares.

Help your child develop a sense of responsibility—involve your child in household tasks.

Talk to your child about saving and spending money wisely.

Meet the families of your child’s friends.

Talk with your child about respecting others.

Encourage your child to help people in need.

Talk with him or her about what to do when others are not kind or are disrespectful.

Help your child set his own goals. Encourage him to think about skills and abilities he would like to have
and about how to develop them.

Make clear rules and stick to them. Talk to your child about what you expect from her when no adults
are supervising. If you provide reasons for rules, it will help your child to know what to do in those
situations.

Use discipline to guide and protect your child, instead of punishment to make him feel badly about
himself.

Talk with your child about the normal physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Encourage your child to read every day. Talk with her about her homework.

Be affectionate and honest with your child, and do things together as a family.

Develop a Chore Chart to include:
Pick up Toys
Fold Dishtowels and Washcloths
Match Socks
Put small items in the garbage
Give food to pets
Water indoor plants
Load the dishwasher
Answer the telephone
Sweep a deck/patio/porch
Wipe the bathroom sink
Put forks and spoons away
Put their own clothes in the drawer
Sort laundry into color piles
Use a hand-held vacuum
Take out Garbage
Set the table
Clear the table
Vacuum an area rug
Clean the inside of the car
Empty the dishwasher
Put away clean dry dishes