Child Development Guide: Nine to Ten Years

To develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peers, competition, self-control, and greater physical strength.
To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors.

Excessive concerns about competition and performance, especially in school; extreme rebellion; teasing; whining; headaches; nervous stomach; ulcers; nervous tics; consistent lack of concern with completion of tasks (procrastination); overdependence on caregivers for age-appropriate tasks; social isolation; lack of friends and involvements; few interests; inappropriate relationships with "older" people, e.g., teenagers; stealing; pathological lying; bedwetting; fire-setting.

Note: Although these tasks and indicators may be present during ages 7 to 12, each may be more observable at specific times.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Engages in active, rough-and-tumble play (especially boys); has great interest in team games.	Provide many opportunities to sustain interest. Include team games.
Has good body control; is interested in developing strength, skill, and speed; likes more complicated crafts and work-related tasks.	Provide opportunities for developing skills through the use of handicrafts and active games.
Girls are beginning to develop faster than boys.	Do not compare boys and girls or force them to interact. Start teaching about bodily changes. Explain menstruation to both sexes.

Physical Development for Eight to Nine Years	Physical Development for Ten to Eleven Years
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INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Has definite interests and lively curiosity; seeks facts; capable of prolonged interest; can do more abstract thinking and reasoning.	Give specific information and facts. Adjust learning opportunities to child's interests and increased attention span. Do not give all the answers; allow time to think, meditate, and discuss.
Individual differences become more marked.	Respect and be aware of individual differences when making assignments and giving responsibilities.
Likes reading, writing, and using books and references.	Provide opportunities for reading, writing, and using reference materials; do not burden the child, however.
Likes to collect things.	Help with hobbies.

Intellectual Development for Eight to Nine Years	Intellectual Development for Ten to Eleven Years
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Nine to Ten Years
Normal Characteristics	Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting
Boys and girls differ in personalities, characteristics, and interests; are very group and club oriented but always with same sex; sometimes silly within group.	Accept natural separation of boys and girls. Recognize and support the need for acceptance from peer group.
Boys, especially, begin to test and exercise a great deal of independence.	Be warm but firm. Establish and enforce reasonable limits.
Is most interested in friends and social activities; likes group adventures and cooperative play.	Encourage friendships and help child who may have few or no friends.

Social Development for Eight to Nine Years	Social Development for Ten to Eleven Years
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.

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