-
5-7 Years Old
A 5 year old child is becoming independent. They want to dress themselves and tie shoelaces. They still relish in make believe as they create rules as they go when playing games. 5 year olds usually no longer require naps, but do require a lot of sleep. Discipline is important, as are laid-out consequences prior to misbehavior. As the child progresses to the age of 6 and 7, they become more independent and obsessed with rules. Tattling becomes an issue. They have a tendency to complain a lot. -
8-10 Years Old
Children at this age are really beginning to developing peer relationships. They oftentimes have trouble getting along with peers, especially those of the opposite sex. They may be more emotional as they have difficulty with rules. As they progress to 9 and 10, they become increasingly awkward and see rules as flexible instead of concrete. May become more argumentative and make excuses for poor behavior. Children at this age need to be held accountable for choices. -
11-12 Years Old
Children in this age range are becoming increasingly aware of body changes within their social groups. They may become embarrassed or self conscious of these changes. Hormones in females are beginning to influence behavior. Relationships with parents are important, but they don't like to be seen with their parents. They begin to have empathy and sympathy for others and really try to build good friendships with others. Children in this age bracket also want to begin making their own choices. -
13-14 Years Old
Ah, the teenage years! Children in this age bracket begin to rely less on their parents and more on their friends. They also tend to confide in their friends more than their parents. Individuality wanes and being a part of a group takes precedence. They also tend to think that they know everything, so oftentimes arguments between child and parent really begin. This time period is also when children may begin experimenting with drugs/alcohol or peer groups that make poor choices. -
15-18 Years Old
With children ages 15-18, we have now entered the world of romantic interests and relationships. Usually in a school of same aged/grade peers, children in this age bracket begin thinking more long term and what life is like outside of mom and dad's home. They are concerned with appearance, confidence, and social networking. College is on the horizon and many children really start dealing with the stress of homework, grades, and college entrance exams.
