Regression - A Guide To The Developmental Stages

Chapter 9
Development at 6-12 years old

Chapter Description: This is a very short, summarised version in the style of the previous chapters. For six to twelve year old developmental stages.

Development by 6 Years

Physical

• Has greater need for physical activity and using the whole body

• Needs regularity (a routine)

• Dawdles, moves slowly when doing things

• Has acquired most basic motor skills; gets frustrated with lack of fine motor skills

• Notices physiological differences in boys and girls

Cognitive

• Attention span still short

• Very curious, "Why?" questions

• Begins to understand birth and death

• Begins to develop ideas of good and bad

• Interested in stories and books

Social and Emotional

• Wants to be grown up, but may act like a baby at times

• Becomes jealous of others easily

• Plays better with one or two friends rather than a group

• Has a sense of humor, likes jokes and riddles

• Competitive with games and adult attention

Development by 7 Years

Physical

• Coordination improves, easier to use fine motor skills

• May be somewhat awkward (can’t control all actions)

• Dresses self completely

• May begin to lose baby teeth and acquire permanent teeth

Cognitive

• Interested in how things work

• Uses language more effectively (expresses feelings with words rather than physically)

• Learns through hands-on construction and projects

• Increased attention span; likes to read and be read to

Social and Emotional

• Likes jokes and riddles

• Still needs some supervision when playing in groups (name calling)

• Wants to be independent (may revert to "baby" actions when scared, tired or angry)

Thoughts for Parents

• Provide your child with opportunities to make decisions and do things on her own.

• Give your child opportunities to practice his/her skills and abilities (e.g. games, puzzles, crafts).

• Be sincere with praise for accomplishments.

• Allow your child times to play and talk with peers. This is important to foster self-esteem.

• Encourage reading and writing by taking your child to the library. Have your child read books to you.

• Encourage your child to write in a journal.

Development by 8 Years

Physical

• Increased modesty

• Near-sightedness usually develops at this age

• Good coordination and small muscle control

• Often looks much more grown-up

Cognitive

• Understands time and how to relate it to daily events

• Interested in collections/clubs

• Reads books for pleasure

• Develops ideas and prejudices

• Curious about how things work and how they are made

Social and Emotional

• Has special friends

• Can take on more responsibility

• Accepts authority and rules

• Seeks praise/approval from family and friends

Thoughts for Parents

Self-esteem is a function of how people perceive themselves.

Development by 9 and 10 Years

Physical

• Perfecting motor skills

• Is able to care for own needs

• Some girls are approaching or may have reached puberty

• Boys often are more active and rough than girls

Cognitive

• Has original ideas and is able to make plans without adults

• Develops own opinions which may differ from yours

• Can understand logical reasoning

• Asserts leadership and independence

Social and Emotional

• Has selective friendships

• Interests include clubs and groups

• Has increased interest in competitive sports

• Will flirt with opposite sex by joking, teasing and showing off

• Acquires a conscience

• Usually affectionate towards parents, likes doing family activities

• Concerned with judgments and decisions being fair and justified

Development by 11 and 12 Years

Physical

• Increasingly aware of body images and changes occurring

• Capable of good hygiene habits

• Increased muscle growth

• Increased appetite

• Self-conscious about learning new skills

Cognitive

• Has the ability to use logic

• Understands abstracts

• Aware of moral codes

• Individual preferences influence choice of activities

• Challenges adult knowledge

Social and Emotional

• Interested in competitive team games

• Group membership is important (urge to conform)

• Respects parental controls

• Self-confidence turns to self-doubt; may be moody

Thoughts for Parents

• Provide time and space for your children to be alone. Time to read, daydream or do school work uninterrupted will be appreciated.

• Allow your child to help with cooking, cleaning and other activities around the house.

• Encourage your child to become involved in clubs or youth groups. This will encourage social skills as well as skill development with projects and activities.

• Encourage your older children to help with younger ones, but don’t burden them with too many responsibilities. Allow them to be children.

• Allow your child to make phone calls to friends. This is an important time for your child to have close friends and feel as though he is part of a group.

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