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.


Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems