As your child is growing and developing physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually, it’s important for parents to recognize what developmental stage their child is at. Parents who recognize the differences in the developmental growth stages are often more successful in parenting. Read through the developmental differences listed below. Keep in mind that children grow at different rates with different degrees of success and failure. As always, it’s important for parents to check with their pediatrician while their child is progressing through the developmental stages described in this article.
Physical Development
Rapid growth is common in the physical developmental stage. Girls often mature faster than boys. Girls are often taller than boys. It’s not uncommon for children in this age group to be tall (six feet or above) or short (five feet or below).
Puberty kicks in! Hormones take over. Skin (acne), hair and sexual organs are affected and begin to occur and develop, often without the awareness of the child or parent.
Energy, energy, energy! Energy spurts are common. Let them run!!!
Aggressive behavior often occurs. Boys tend to be more physical than girls. Girls tend to be more verbal than boys.
Parents should:
Begin to help their child eat the right foods. Too many middle school children are eating and drinking too much sugar and eating fatty foods. Eat healthy foods with the child. Strive to avoid “fast foods” and processed foods.
Encourage the child to be active, but not over active. Limit television and interactive TV “finger games” (Nitendo & Play Station) to no more than two hours per day. “Get out and play!”
Assist the middle school child in becoming involved in physical activities that include their peers.
Avoid weight training that consists of heavy weights or “maxing.” Avoid weight gain or weight loss diets. Eat three healthy meals per day. Yes they are hungry after school. Fruits, low sugar cereals and low grease snacks are often necessary to restore energy loss during the school day.
Get off the couch! Get involved in a physical activity that you and your middle school child can do together. You and your child may find something fun to do together.
DO NOT tell the middle school child, “You are getting fat.” This will no doubt hurt their emotional well-being. Remember, children in this age group are already highly critical of themselves. Encourage a proper diet and exercise plan. Consult the child’s medical doctor. Avoid being verbally critical of their body. They are most likely already being criticized by others in their peer group.
