MODULE 5: Middle Childhood

How many inches do children grow on average in middle childhood per year

2-3

How many pounds do children gain on average in middle childhood per year

5-7

cephalocaudal pattern for middle childhood

begins with the head, has now resulted in head circumference becoming more in proportion with total body height

proximodistal pattern

began with the trunk, has now progressed to the limbs, and fine motor skills of many sorts can be learned and honed

What are the gender differences in motor development at this age and why?

Boys typically show greater gains in gross motor skills, while girls are more advanced in fine motor skills. Boys’ tendency toward movement and motion may result in more attention given to activities emphasizing gross motor skills, while girls tend to (or be encouraged to) sit still and focus on fine motor control, such as coloring.

How much has child obesity increased since 1970?

doubled

What are the causes of childhood obesity

genetics, socioeconomic status, poor behavioral patterns, less physical activity

What are child obesity psychological and social consequences

low self-esteem, depression, and social exclusion

What is the treatment for child obesity

Behavioral. Unhealthy behaviors need to be changed, and positive reinforcement given for successes. Ideally, the entire family should be involved in the changes, partly because obesity is often a family problem.

How can families help prevent obesity

Model a health eating pattern

Move more as a family

Set consistent sleep routines

Replace screen time with family time

Support obesity prevention in early care and education

Find a family healthy weight program

Obesity is the _______ leading cause of premature death in the USA and Europe

second

Food insecurity

the inability to acquire adequate food due to a lack of resources

How many households are food insecure?

12.3 percent

Boys are ________ as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD

twice

What are the main patterns of ADHD

Inattention

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Children with ADHD are at risk of….

injuries social problems, family stress, and poor grades

Teens with ADHD are at risk of….

risky behaviors (substance use and unsafe sex)

What are the signs of inattention with ADHD

Great difficulty with and avoidance of tasks that require sustained attention, failure to follow instructions, disorganization, lack of attention to detail, becoming easily distracted, and forgetful

What are the signs of hyperactivity with ADHD

excessive movement, blurting, noisy and boisterous, hasty, impulsive, not much forethought

What are the differences in the characteristics of inattention than hyperactivity?

May be overlooked, more characterized in girls than boys

What is the current way to treat ADHD

medication and behavioral therapy

What are the highlights of Piaget’s Concrete Operational Stage

Can converse, seriation, use logic to solve problems

What is seriation

entails ordering objects in a row

About what age does relational aggression increase?

about 3rd grade, especially for girls

What are the four peer acceptance statuses

Popular, Rejected, Neglected, Controversial

Describe the peer acceptance status Popular

Favorable view. Two types:

Antisocial- use relational aggression for harm to solidify status

Prosocial- good listeners and communicators

Describe the peer acceptance status Rejected

Actively disliked. Show aggressive tendencies and less socially skilled. Leads to future problems

Describe the peer acceptance status Neglected

Largely ignored. Not necessarily aggressive but less sociable (not meaning poor social skills). Often withdrawn, but not prone to future problems

Describe the peer acceptance status Controversial

Receive both positive and negative votes. Often show higher social skills but also aggressive. Descried as bullies, class clowns, or rebels. Outcomes are mixed.