Middle Childhood Development Notes

Setting the Context

• Middle Childhood (Ages 7-12): Significant cognitive, emotional, and physical development occurs.

  • Jean Piaget: Logical thinking typically starts around ages 7-8. Children reason about concrete objects but struggle with abstract concepts.

  • Erik Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority stage. Children begin to follow adult expectations and strive to achieve their desires.

Physical Development

Brain Development

• Frontal Lobes: Growth leads to advancements in achievements.

• Neurons: Increase in visual and motor cortices strengthens motor skills.

Motor Skills and Health

• Motor Skill Proficiency: Decreased physical proficiency compared to the past; pronounced individual differences.

• Correlation: Physical coordination declines as children enter teenage years.

• Activity Levels: Influenced by caregiver habits.

Obesity and Health

• Childhood Obesity: Defined as BMI at or above the 95th percentile, often linked to early high BMI.

  • Emotional Effects: Negative consequences and bullying; importance of addressing unhealthy habits.

Cognitive Development

Information Processing Perspective

• Memory Development: Improved working memory and executive functions.

• Concrete Operations: Enhanced understanding of relevant tasks and concepts; increased rehearsal and attention skills.

ADHD

• Prevalence: Common childhood disorder, more frequent in boys.

• Causes: Genetic factors related to brain maturation and neurotransmitter functions.

• Management: Includes psycho-stimulant medications, physical activity, and parent training.

Emotional Development

Self-Esteem

• Development: Significant issue during elementary school years; influenced by Harter’s areas (academic competence, conduct, athletic skills, peer likability, appearance).

Moral Development

• Types of Aggression: Categories include direct vs. relational; proactive vs. reactive.

• Prosocial Behavior: Actions aimed at helping others, influenced by empathy and fairness.

Social Development

Friendships

• Importance: Vital for emotional management; enhances well-being and self-esteem.

Bullying and Intervention

• Dynamics: Systematic abuse with physical and relational tactics; requires proactive response from peers.

• Effective Programs: While not always effective, bullying prevention programs are necessary for addressing and reducing such behaviors.

Conclusions

• Integration of Emotional and Social Skills: Cultivating emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior is critical for healthy development into adolescence.