The developing years mean preteen period for children that ranges between ages 9 and 12 years, it is a developmental period of children. This is the stage many people know as the ‘tween’ ages, as this is when the child gets ready for adolescence by physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially developing. Coping with changes that occur in children at this age is quite easy when parents are aware of the important developmental stages that their children go through during this age. 

Let’s take a look at some of the top development markers of the pre-teen and how they support them in this phase.

Physical Development Milestones

The main developmental change that occurs during preteen years is developmental changes Physical. This is a stage in human growth which occurs in childhood and triggers several changes in the body of a child.

Growth Spurts

Preteens go through growth spurts and may even experience a significant gain in height and or weight. It also wished to explore the fact that there are certain pain associated with the growth and they are socially acceptable during this age.

Onset of Puberty

For girls this could be the development of busts, beginning of menses, alteration of shape of the body among others. Boys may develop such signs as a change in pitch of their voice, development of facial and body hair as well as changes in their muscle mass.

Increased Appetite

As with most growing kids, preteens tend to have a larger appetite because their bodies are developing at a fast rate. To this effect, it is pertinent to make certain they are provided with balanced and healthy meals that caters for their growth requirements.

Cognitive Development Milestones

It is at this period that cognitive development takes the shape of concrete to more generalised thoughts. This shift enables the children to learn more advanced material as well as perform more critical thinking.

Abstract Thinking

At this stage preteens are still in the concrete operational stage but they do have a certain degree of abstract thinking. They are able to grasp such ideas as justice, freedom and morality, and to consider scenarios.

Problem-Solving Skills

In this stage, children show improvement as far as their capability of solving problems and critically thinking is concerned. They can also assess events, contemplate over their consequences and therefore be able to come up with informed decisions.

Improved Memory and Learning

Young children who are in the preteen age show enhanced memory and learning which enables them to understand new things much faster and with ease. This is also a period when they may improve their study skills, and get a better appreciation of certain subjects.

Curiosity and Exploration

With cognitive development we see growth of curiosity in one's environment. Furthermore, preteens could be posed more questions, in search of new experiences and knowledge and be more engaged in what they are interested in.

Emotional and Social Development Milestones

Preteen age is also a period of even greater growth and emotional-social changes, since children must develop their own unique personality and become ready for more complicated interpersonal relations.

Identity Formation

The preadolescents start to identify themselves and to develop their own attitudes and beliefs about themselves and the world around them. This may sometimes result in a quest for autonomy and the testing of new roles and behaviours at work and out of it.

Increased Self-Awareness

Finally, as the children grow the learn more about themselves and depending on the feeds they receive they may start developing issues of comparison. This increased self awareness can at times translate to worries on the issues of body image, popularity and conformity to peer groups.

Peer Relationships

They also point to the fact that friendships become especially important during the preteen years. As for preteens, they always have multiple close friends, or what people call a clique; and peer acceptance is very influential to the development of their self-esteem. They may also develop pressures of peer pressure and grouping pressures including the power and abilities of grouping during friendship.

Emotional Regulation

They are still in a phase where they have not fully developed ways of handling them or even starting. A child may feel sad at one time and happy at another because of social issues, hormonal changes and general development.

Tips for Supporting Your Preteen’s Development

The early adolescent years can be a particularly essential stage of a child’s life and the following interventions can help your child as they grow.

Open Communication

Communication with preteens should not stop, the child should always feel that they can talk to the parent. You should try to make them share with you how they feel and what occupies their minds nowadays and in the past. A good first step is to listen to what they say and sometimes, give them advice although this is not compulsory.

Encourage Independence

Allow your preteen to be able to make decisions and also bear the consequences of his or her actions. This assists in boosting their morale as well as make them ready for more responsibility during adolescence.

Promote Healthy Habits

The following tips will help you to help a preteen to become healthy: Make sure the child gets enough sleep, eats healthy food and moves around a lot. All these healthy habits help not only their physical, but also mental state.

Provide Guidance on Social Issues

Discuss such issues as peer pressure, friendship, and other social issues with your preteen. Support them to obtain such competencies that will enable them to deal with such circumstances e.g. assertiveness, empathy and conflict solving.

Be Patient and Understanding

The preteen age can be rather problematic for the kid and the parents as well. Always encourage your child, forgive him or her for failure, and teach or remind him or her of the right things to do at this stage.

The preteen years are still filled with a great number of challenges and as well as the opportunities for the development of a growing child. If you know what to expect from this stage, and provide your child with the necessary support, you will be able to help the child go through this important phase with flying colors and get ready for all the wonderful things that are awaiting them. Bear in mind that all children grow in different ways and at different rates and that is why when you are raising a child you have to rejoice with them for all the milestones they make.