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. |
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. |
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Eleven to Twelve Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Is critical of adults and is obnoxious to live with. |
Be tolerant. |
| Strives for unreasonable independence. |
Set limits, but give opportunities for independence whenever possible. |
| Has intense interest in teams and organized, competitive games; considers memberships in clubs important. |
Provide for organized activities in sports or clubs. |
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Eleven to Twelve Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Anger is common; resents being told what to do; rebels at routines. |
Help child set the rules and decide own responsibilities. Give child opportunity to make decisions. |
| Often is moody; dramatizes and exaggerates own positions (e.g., "You're the worst mother in the world!"). |
Don't overreact to moodiness and exaggerated positions. |
| Experiences many fears, many worries, many tears. |
Be understanding and supportive. |
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Eleven to Twelve Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Has strong urge to conform to peer-group morals. |
Assist child in examining morals of the group without condemnation. Recognize youth's need to belong to a peer group outside the family.
Be aware of the values of the group and help the youngster understand the consequences of own choices among group values.
|
View Full Article
Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
photo by:
Wolfgang Staudt 
100th Day of School
Celebrate President's Day
7 Things to Do When a Teacher Calls Home
Add your own comment