Child Development – Your 9-12 Year Old
They may be able to…
- use tools such as a hammer or cooking utensils
- draw with more detail
- learn facts although they may not have a deep understanding of them
- take part in team sports
- be physically stronger
They may be aware of…
- learning a new skill
- being aware of right and wrong
- critical thinking and problem solving
- sharing ideas
- fairness
- responsibility and being trusted to complete a task
- developing new interests, which they may obsess over
- focusing on an activity or a project until it is finished
- time but they may need help to plan in an effective way
- their own beliefs and will think that everyone thinks the same way
- having a conscience
- friendships are important to them
- using and applying logic
- decision making
- likes and dislikes
They may enjoy…
- sport, dance, being on their bike or scooter
- clubs and groups
- food – by 11-12 years old they will be hungry a lot
- being with their friends
- cooking
- constructing
Emotionally and physically there is a lot going on at this age, with a lot of new behaviours and changes…
- they are getting ready for and starting to go through puberty
- intense mood swings
- becoming critical of themselves and others
- quick anger
- rapid height growth
- carry more fat than before this stage
- arguments and door slamming
- more arguments among friendship groups
- egocentric – the world revolved around them
- uncooperative
- a need to conform
What can help?
- good communication
- listen to them and try not to judge
- talk to them about sex or puberty and let them ask questions
- give them reassurance – they are going through a lot of change and they need to feel safe
- spend time with them
Janine | Birth, Baby & Family
Mum of three and a specialist in pregnancy, birth and parent support