School-Age children

School-age children Between ages 6 and 12 Grow taller and slimmer Develop a more adult physique Interested in learning Reveal curiosity & intellectual development

Physical development Grow 2-3 inches taller & 4-5 pounds heavier each year 6: constantly active, baby teeth begin to fall out 7 & 8: coordination improving, capable of smoother movements 9 & 10: narrowing their interests 11 & 12: girls grow faster in height & weight than boys their age Start transitioning into adulthood

Intellectual Development Ask more complex questions Attention spans are lengthening 9 & 10 year old vocabularies grow to about 5400 words 11 & 12 year olds: 7200 words Very talkative or others are quiet

School adjustments Adjust to school environments & schedules fairly easily School is part of their routine Need an adequate breakfast to fuel their active lifestyle Well balanced meals help them think and feel better Children’s interest in schoolwork is often affected by their peer relationships Homework is their responsibility Parents responsibility to offer support

Emotional & social development Become more socially independent Choose own friends and friendships gain more importance to them Groups activities among same gender are popular Feel immense pressure to “fit in” Likely to form own social groups at school or in neighborhood Single out best friends Emotions change as bodies change Become more moody

Conformity Matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms Ties with parents begin to loosen Striving for greater independence Begin trying new things Music, clothing

Self-Care Children Coming home after school to empty homes More parents are working than ever before Dual career families Single parent families These children have to tend to their own needs until parents return home Need to be self- sufficient

Children and Stress Pretend you are a school-age child. List 6 examples of stress you might experience Now pretend you are the parent of a school- age child. From the list above, describe how you would help your child deal with each stress.

Children & Stress Can be positive and negative Good stress can challenge people Distress (negative) –feelings of fear, hopelessness, worry, anxiety, doubt Conflicts with others causes emotional stress Poor health or unhealthy habits can create stress Busy schedule, being too involved Major life changes

Signs a child is under stress Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Explosive crying or screaming Verbal or physical aggressiveness Cruelty to pets & friends Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, headaches, fatigue, restlessness, upset stomach, neck pain Increased behaviors or acting out Prolonged display of temper Nightmares, sleep-walking, teeth-grinding in sleep Loss of humor or sense of joy

Medical checkups Routine medical visits are needed less frequency during this stage Recommended checkups: Age 6 Age 8 Age 10 Age 12 Need a physical exam for participating in sports Schools require certain immunizations before school starts Visit their dentists and eye doctors regularly