Child Development: High School Children

2008 February 10 by: Scott

Intellectual Development

Steady growth in learning begins to occur again between the ages of 14 and16 years of age.

Children close the age of 16 often begin to develop an analytical solution process to solve their analytical questions.

Attention span becomes more adult-like: 50-60 minutes.

High school students are more interested in what they are learning when they are given an opportunity to apply what they learn.

Parents should:

Begin to listen and learn the child’s true interests in life. This does not necessary mean career choices, but what interest they have in the academic areas provided in school and out-of-school interest.

Become familiar with the child’s high school academic schedule options. Most schools have online computer options for parents to view academic choices. Contact a school counselor for more information.
Become familiar with graduation and post secondary requirements. Attend the parent seminars provided by the high school guidance department that provides parents with these requirements.
Current research (as described in Dr. David Walsh’s book: Why Do They Act That Way?) indicates that the human brain is not fully developed until an individual is in his or her twenties.