Growth and Development
Many girls and some boys have begun to grow at a faster rate at
this age. The start of sexual development is normally soon followed
by this growth spurt. That is, girl's breasts start to develop and
girls and boys start growing genital hair. Girls usually start their
sexual development about a year or two earlier than boys.
School achievement is very important for 10-year-olds. Reading, writing, and
arithmetic should be the focus of learning. Make sure your child takes responsibility
for bringing home schoolwork and has a good place to study at home.
Physical Development
- Physical growth and development varies enormously in this age group
- Is energetic and spirited
- Be sure your child gets adequate sleep, suggested bedtimes 8-9 p.m.
- Is usually awkward
- Strives to be physically fit
- Is fascinated with how the body works
- May be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
Emotional Development
- Fluctuates between dependent child and independent preteen
- Becomes increasingly self-conscious
- Provide personal space (even if limited) for your child at home
Social Development
- Seeks approval for being "good" from significant people
- Becomes preoccupied with the opposite sex
- Begin to teach your child the importance of delaying sexual behavior
- Relates to peer group intensely and abides by group decisions
- Succumbs to peer pressure more readily
- Does not want to be "different"
- Continues to participate in small groups of same gender
- Confides constantly in best friend
- Continues to revel in bathroom humor
Mental Development
- Is eager to learn and master new skills
- Is proud of doing things well
- Is concerned about personal capabilities
- Has internalized standards of right and wrong to some
degree
- Be sure your child's school curriculum includes information on
substance abuse and that you discuss the risks at home.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of
development, check with your care provider.
Behavior
10-year-olds have an increasing ability to function without adult
supervision at school, on the playground, at home, and in safe
community locations. They have learned most social rules and the need
for rules. Discuss with your child how he can begin to be responsible
for his behavior.
Boys often identify with sports teams and girls with
popular-culture icons such as singers or actresses. Although both
parents, as always, play an important role in the life of a
10-year-old, the parent of the same gender as the child plays a
particularly important role at this time. Despite the attention given
to popular culture heroes, role-modeling by parents is very
important.
10-year-olds particularly like doing chores. They enjoy hearing
from parents that they have done a chore well. It is important for
children to begin to think of themselves as capable of accomplishing
things. Ask your health care provider for help if your child doesn't
believe he can do chores or other tasks.
Social Skills
10-year-olds should be taught to respect the feelings of their
peers. They should be responsible for their actions and expect
responsible behavior from their friends and peers. The opinions of
friends are rapidly becoming very important, perhaps more important
than their parent's opinions. It is important to discuss with your
child how to make good choices in the company of friends.
Projecting a positive self-esteem is very important at this age.
Your child should not always be putting herself down. Ask your health
care provider for advice if your child consistently has a poor
self-esteem. Supporting and enhancing your child's self-esteem and
self-confidence are critical. 10-year-olds who feel good about
themselves are better equipped to withstand peer pressure.
Kids want to dress the way their friends dress. This is important
for your child and within reason, you should respect your child's
choices. Similarly, your child will want to speak with words that may
be unique to their peers, age group, or pop culture. Again, within
reason this choice is to be respected.
Spend individual time with her, doing something you both
enjoy.
Reading
Reading is very important for 10-year-olds. Be sure to read at
every opportunity with your child and discuss the book. Let your
child read and tell you stories from books.
Television and Electronic Games
Limit television time to no more than 2 hours per day. Encourage
your child to participate in family games and other activities.
Carefully select the television programs you allow your child to
view. Be sure to watch some of the programs with your child and
discuss the show later. Avoid using the television as an electronic
baby-sitter. Do not put a television in your child's bedroom.
Set limits on the amount of time your child plays electronic
games.
Your child should not be exposed to shows or games with violent or
sexual themes.
Sexuality
Issues about sexuality should be something that you have already
begun discussing and that you and your child both feel you can talk
about openly. You should occasionally ask your child if he has any
other questions about sex. When kids realize that parents feel
comfortable with discussing sex, they ask for information more
often.
Safety
Accidents are the number-one cause of deaths in children. Kids are likely to
take risks at this age but are not well prepared to judge the degree of those
risks. Therefore, 10-year-olds still need supervision. Parents should model
safe choices.
Car Safety:
- All passengers should always wear lap/shoulder safety
belts.
- The lap belt should rest low and snugly across your child's
upper thighs, and the shoulder belt should rest across shoulder
and chest area. The back seat is the safest place for children of
any age to ride.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety:
- Children at this age will generally cross streets safely.
However, be sure that you practice this skill when your child has
a new street to cross.
- Make sure your child always uses a helmet, when riding a
bicycle, skating, skate boarding, or riding a scooter. You can set
a good example by always wearing a helmet.
- Your child is not ready for riding on busy streets. Begin to
teach your child about riding a bicycle where cars are
present.
- Don't buy a bicycle that is too big for your child.
Safety Around Strangers:
- Discuss safety outside the home with your child.
- Make sure your child knows her address and phone number and
her parent's place(s) of work.
- Remind your child never to go anywhere with a stranger.
Guns:
- Be sure guns are unloaded and locked up and that ammunition is
stored separately.
Dental Care
Brushing teeth regularly with fluoridated toothpaste after meals
is important. Brushing before bedtime is the most important time of
all. Make regular appointments for your child to see the dentist.
Nutrition
- Limit high-fat, high-sugar or low nutrient foods and
beverages, such as candy, chips, and regular pop.
- Be sure he eats a healthy breakfast.
Next Visit
Your child's next routine checkup will be at 11 years of age.
Additional Health Resources
Credits:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatric Behavioral Health Advisor
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