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. |
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. |