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c.2005 - 2008 |
| Child Development |
| An Overview of the Preteen Child The 10 Year Old Cognitive Development is eager to learn and master new skills is proud of doing things well is concerned about personal capabilities has internalized standards of right and wrong to some degree still memorizes and recites without thinking deeply about the subject developing a conscience but not yet consistently able to tell right from wrong; relies upon an adult to help aware of time, but needs help to plan time in a practical way still certain that own beliefs are correct and are universally shared by others Physical Development physical growth and development varies enormously among this age group is energetic and spirited is usually awkward strives to be physically fit is fascinated with how the body works may be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco continues to revel in bathroom humor has both skill and stamina for gross motor activities such as biking, skating, and team sports personality traits may be revealed by posture and movement habits girls may show signs of approaching puberty: softening and rounding of features , subtle signs of breast development Social and Emotional Development fluctuates between dependent child and independent preteen becomes increasingly self-conscious seeks approval for being "good" from significant people becomes preoccupied with the opposite sex relates to peer group intensely and abides by group decisions succumbs to peer pressure more readily does not want to be "different" continues to participate in small groups of same sex confides constantly in a best friend disposition is generally happy, sometimes silly respectful and affectionate toward both parents fears which were previously bothersome are now minimal may anger quickly but expression of anger differs according to the situation friendships are quite important; friends are of the same sex enjoys clubs and group activities still not interested in the opposite sex can be fickle The 11 Year Old Cognitive Development has an increasing attention and a concentration span strives to succeed has strong opinions begins to understand the motives behind the behavior of another able to use logic in arguments and apply logic to specific, concrete situations combines oral, visual, and written material in school reports decision-making skill improves starts to realize that others may hold beliefs different from own Physical Development may experience a pubescent growth spurt if female (usually a year or two later for males) may tire easily and appear lazy (growth spurt drains energy) may look out of proportion is preoccupied with and self-conscious about appearance may have an appetite that fluctuates sharply enjoys observing or participating in competitive sports is keenly interested in learning about body changes may continue to be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco very active and energetic; constantly wiggles and moves boys show few outward signs of puberty: may tend to carry more fat than previously , more muscle development than girls girls display more physical changes: development of some soft pubic hair , breast growth is still minimal, but of great interest rapid height gains Social & Emotional Development may be experiencing sudden dramatic emotional changes associated with puberty vacillates between maturity one moment, immaturity the next tends to conceal emotional feelings is hard on self and ultra sensitive to criticism wants parental assistance, but may resist when offered is critical of parents is concerned with prestige and popularity likes to belong to a group and be like others becomes quite faddish spends about twice as much time on weekends with friends as with parents may drift from a previous best friend (due to different levels of maturity) is acutely aware of the opposite sex tends to be egocentric, critical, and uncooperative may be tearful, fearful, and full of worries relationship with mother is particularly thorny displays anger physically--fights, slams doors, kicks away from home, behavior is well mannered and quite helpful friendships are still important, but with more quarrels than before may have one “best friend” not actively interested in the opposite sex, but on the verge 12-Year-Olds Physical Development both boys and girls are always hungry girls are at the peak of physical change: still growing rapidly in height and weight; growth may taper off toward the end of the year , menstruation is likely to start , breasts fill out , underarm and pubic hair thickens boys show a wide range of growth rates: soft pubic hair develops , penis and scrotum enlarge , erections are frequent, with or without an obvious cause Intellectual Development categorizes information in order to make sense of it summarizes information from a book in own words proofreads own work for errors of grammar, spelling, and logic reads adult newspapers or magazines, particularly those sections about topics of specific interest Social & Emotional Development generally pleasant and good natured very enthusiastic about likes and equally passionate about dislikes strong need to conform to peers friendships are calm, without the turmoil seen at eleven. shows interest in the opposite sex (girls more than boys) 13-Year-Olds uncertain, unhappy, and sensitive withdrawn; spends a lot of time alone; needs privacy convinced that everyone else is watching and judging very concerned with body image self-esteem at a low ebb not sociable with adults friendships tend to be group-focused; more squabbling than a year ago Raising Responsible Teens Peer pressure move over. There's a more powerful influence in the lives of teens and it's found at home. While peers undoubtedly influence each other, social science research demonstrates time and time again that parents actually matter most. However, having parents per se is not the determining factor. Rather it is the degree to which mom, dad, or guardian actually monitors the teen's behaviour that is a decisive factor in reducing the risk of pregnancy as well as drug, alcohol, and cigarette use in their teen. Higher degrees of "parental monitoring" is measured by the parent's knowledge and ability to respond to these questions: 1. Do you know who your teen's friends are? 2. If your teen is going to be late, does s/he know that you expect him/her to call? 3. Do you know where your teen is and what s/he is doing after school? 4. Does your teen tell you who s/he will be with before they go out? 5. Do you know where your teen is when he or she goes out at night? 6. Do you know how your teen spends his or her money? 7. Do you know the parents of your teen's friends? 8. Do you talk with your teen about the plans s/he has with his/her friends? Some parents back off from monitoring their teen thinking they are thwarting their teen's independence. In other situations, the teen may view such questions by their parents as intrusive and may balk, feeling their parents are demanding and interfering. There are 3 key things to remember for successful parental monitoring: 1. Parental monitoring works best with parents who already have a reasonable relationship with their teen. Family members should show mutual respect and there should already be family rules in place that govern behaviour. 2. Parents must approach the issue of parental monitoring from a point of view of concern, guidance and respect. Many of the questions are a matter of courtesy and cut both ways. It is reasonable to know when to expect family members and to know how to contact each other in case of emergency. It is equally important for children to know where parents are and how children can make contact. This is simply mutually respectful behavior for planning and safety. 3. Start when your kids are young and be a good role model. If you want to know where your kids are, always let them know where you are too. Explain and demonstrate from an early age that family members stay in touch and show concern for each other. Children and teens develop self-esteem as a result of their parent's involvement in their lives. Parental monitoring may seem like a pain to some teens, but hey, you only concern yourself with things that are important. So, parental monitoring isn't about surveillance, it's about caring. That's a good message to any teen. |
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| Curriculum Resources Art Dramatic Play Prop Boxes Fine Motor Games Language Math Music Outdoor Play Quiet Time Recipes Science/Sensory Themes MY BOOK |
| Child Development Notes The 1 Year Old The 2 Year Old The 3 Year Old The 4 Year Old The 5 Year Old The 6 Year Old The 7 Year Old The 8 Year Old The 9 Year Old The Pre-Teen Child |
| The best things in life aren't things!
- Author unknown |