Child Development Guide: 11-12 Years
Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Topics: Preteen Years (9-13), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 10-13)
Topics: Preteen Years (9-13), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 10-13)
Developmental Tasks
- To develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills, deal with peer competition, self-control, and greater strength.
- To develop and test values and beliefs, which guide present and future behaviors.
- To come to terms with and accept the dramatic changes in the body (e.g., development of breasts, muscles; voice changes; pubic and facial hair).
Indicators Related to Developmental Lag
- Excessive concerns about competition and performance, especially in school; extreme rebellion; teasing; whining; headaches; nervous stomach; ulcers; nervous tics; consistent 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: Eleven to Twelve Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Is increasingly aware of body. | Answer questions about bodily changes openly and honestly. |
| Possibility of acting on sexual desires increases. | Be aware of where youth is and with whom; encourage group activities and discourage solo dating. |
| Girls begin to show secondary sex characteristics. | Ensure that girls understand menstruation. Both boys and girls need sexual education. |
| Boys are ahead of girls in endurance and muscular development. Rapid growth may mean large appetite but less energy. | Don't nag boys about food intake and seeming "laziness." |
| May show self-consciousness about learning new skills. | Provide support and encouragement for youth's quest for new skills. Don't minimize or dismiss his/her lack of confidence. |
| Physical Development for Ten to Eleven Years | Physical Development for Twelve to Fifteen Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Eleven to Twelve Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Challenges adult knowledge; has increased ability to use logic. | Don't become defensive; child is not challenging your authority. |
| May have interest in earning money. | Problem solve with youth on ways to earn income. |
| Is critical of own artistic products. | Accept youth's feelings but try to help youth evaluate his/her works more objectively. |
| Is becoming interested in world and community; may like to participate in community activities. | Support interest in walkathons, helping neighbors, etc. |
| Intellectual Development for Ten to Eleven Years | Intellectual Development for Twelve to Fifteen Years |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
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