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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Normal Development: 11 Years Old
Physical Development
- may experience pubescent growth spurt if female (usually
a year or two later for males)
- may tire easily and appear lazy (growth spurt drains
energy)
- may look out of proportion
- is preoccupied with and self-conscious about appearance
- may have an appetite that fluctuates sharply
- enjoys observing or participating in competitive sports
- is keenly interested in learning about body changes
- may continue to be curious about drugs, alcohol, and
tobacco
Emotional Development
- may be experiencing sudden dramatic emotional changes
associated with puberty
- vacillates between maturity one moment, immaturity the
next
- tends to conceal emotional feelings
- is hard on self and ultrasensitive to criticism
Social Development
- wants parental assistance, but may resist when offered
- is critical of parents
- is concerned with prestige and popularity
- likes to belong to a group and be like others
- becomes quite faddish
- spends about twice as much time on weekends with friends
as with parents
- may drift from previous best friend (due to different
levels of maturity)
- is acutely aware of the opposite sex
Mental Development
- has an increasing attention and concentration span
- strives to succeed
- has strong opinions
- begins to understand the motives behind the behavior of
another
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe
exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's
development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and
physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide
spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal.
Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of
showing a general progression through the developmental
stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal
development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a
child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones
later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you
review these milestones.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern
of development, check with your pediatrician or family
physician.
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