Children in this age bracket go through dramatic changes. It is normal for them to swing from being happy to being sad or from feeling smart to feeling dumb. They may worry about personal traits that are vital to them, but hardly noticeable to others. With a growing ability to see the consequences of different actions, they are increasingly considering who they are and who they may become.
Some of the critical aspects of child development (10-14 years) are;
• Physical Development- Puberty reigns at this age. Puberty, however, has several stages for both boys and girls, which is why you will see children developing at different rates between the ages of 8 and 18. This is the age when they need to start using deodorant and learning more personal hygiene. Between ages 12 and 14, children become very aware of their own sexuality and others’ sexuality.
• Intellectual Development-Most children enjoy the social aspects of learning at this stage. Around ages 11, 12, and 13, shifts occur in their thinking. Many of them move from concrete to abstract thinking. At this age they think there is too much homework.
• Emotional Development-Moodiness and roller-coaster emotions emerge during puberty. Children can be happy one moment and then violently angry or very depressed the next—and you often won’t be able to figure out why. Many talk in violent terms. Many children can become very emotionally sensitive. They are easily offended and easily hurt.
• Social Development- This is the age when peer pressure has the most influence. Children are more interested in “being the same” and “being accepted.” Thus, many will do things with others they would never do alone. Relationships can become quite complex. Some of them have large shifts in their social circles as they go through puberty. At this age, they can have a twisted sense of humour. Cliques and tight-knit groups can form. They become very aware of who is in which group—even if they are not always sure where they fit.
• Learning and School – This is a great age to cultivate the attitudes and skills for persevering in learning, despite distractions and difficulties.