PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN

MIDDLE AND LATE CHILDHOOD

Middle and late childhood ,
typically spanning from
ages 6 to 12 , is a crucial
period in a child’s life
marked by significant
physical development.
During this time , children
experience substantial
growth in various aspects
of their physical well-
being.
Growth and Height
Middle childhood is characterized by steady and
gradual increase in height. On average , children
grow about 2-3 inches per year during this period.
Late childhood often sees growth spurt , particularly
in girls, which can lead to a noticeable increase in
height.
Weight and Muscle Development

Children continue to gain weight, with a focus

on muscle development. Increased muscle
strength and coordination enable them to engage
in more complex physical activities and sport.
Brain and Nervous System
The brain continues to develop, with the
prefrontal cortex maturing. This leads to
improved impulse control and decision-
making. Fine motor skills, like hand
writing and drawing, become more
refined.
Dental and Skeletal Development
Children lose their primary(baby) teeth and
develop permanent teeth during middle
childhood. Bones continue to grow and
become denser, improving overall bone health.
Physical Activity and Exercise

Middle and Late childhood is a critical time for

the development of lifelong physical activity
habits. Regular exercise is essential for
maintaining a healthy weight and promoting
overall well-being.
Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for healthy

growth. Children require a balanced diet
rich in vitamins and minerals. Nutritional
habits formed during this period can have
a lasting impact on health.
Sleep Patterns
Children still require a substantial
amount of sleep during middle and
late childhood, usually around 9-12
hours per night. Healthy sleep patterns
support physical and cognitive
development.
Puberty (Late Childhood)
Towards the end of late childhood, typically
around ages 9-12 for girls and11-14 for boys,
puberty begins. This marks the onset of
significant hormonal and physical changes,
including the development of secondary
sexual characteristics.
 Here are some key
characteristics and
developmental aspects
of each stage.
 Middle Childhood (6-11
years old):

Physical Growth: Children in this stage continue

to grow, with steady increases in height and weight. They
may also experience the loss of baby teeth and the
emergence of permanent ones.
Cognitive Development: Cognitive abilities
advance significantly. They become better at logical
thinking, problem-solving, and understanding cause
and effect. Reading, writing, and math skills continue to
improve.

Social Development: Friendships become more

important, and peer relationships play a significant role.
Children start to develop a sense of belonging and may
form close friendships.
Emotional Development: Emotional regulation
continues to develop, but children may still struggle with
controlling their emotions. They become more aware of
their feelings and those of others.

Independence: Middle childhood is a time when

children begin to seek more independence from their
parents. They can handle more responsibilities and may
start making decisions for themselves.
 Late Childhood (11-18
years old):
Social Development: Peer relationships remain crucial, and
adolescents often develop deeper friendships and begin to explore
romantic relationships. They may also experience peer pressure
and social identity formation.

Emotional Development: Emotional regulation

continues to evolve, but adolescents can experience mood
swings and intense emotions due to hormonal changes. They are
also developing a more mature understanding of emotions.
Identity Formation: Late childhood is a time when
adolescents begin to explore their identities, including their
values, beliefs, and interests. They may question authority
figures and societal norms as they search for their place in the
world.

Autonomy: Adolescents strive for increased independence

from their parents and seek autonomy in decision-making. This
can sometimes lead to conflicts with parents as they navigate
this transition.
Children gain greater
control over the movement
of their bodies, mastering
many gross and fine motor
skills that eluded the
younger child.
School becomes a big part of
middle and late childhood, and
it expands their world beyond
the boundaries of their own
family.
Peers start to take center-stage, often
prompting changes in the parent-child
relationship. Peer acceptance also
influences children’s perception of
self and may have consequences for
emotional development beyond these
years.
On the average, girls are generally as
much as two (2) years ahead of boys in
terms of physical maturity. Puberty may
be gin early Budding breasts for girls
which is the initial sign of puberty. Some
girls may also start with their menstrual
period as early as 8 and some as late 13.
Here is the list of the most
common challenges that an
adolescence experiencing:
1.Physical Changes

• Development of full breast in girls can be awkward in the beginning. Girls

may start to feel conscious about their figure.

• Changes of voice and appearance of facial hair in boys.

• Is perhaps the most prominent change that takes place during adolescence.
2. Emotional changes and
Problems
• Teenagers are often confused about their role and are torn between their
responsibilities as growing adults their desires as children.

•They tend to be overly emotional.

•They are vulnerable to crying.

•Mood swings are common among them.
•Bodily changes result in self-consciousness.
• Feeling of inferiority or superiority
may arise at this time.
3. Social Changes

•Physiologically distance self from parents. Identify with peer group.

•Social acceptance depends on observable traits or roles.
•Need to be independent from all adults.

•Ambivalent about sexual relationships, sexual behavior is

exploratory.
4. Behavioral Challenges
• Significant development change in the brain makes teens moody, tired and
difficult to deal with.

• The raging hormones in teenage boys can even push them to get into
physical confrontations.

• As a part of their new-found independence, they may also want to try

new things and take risks, resulting in careless behavior.

• Peer pressure and the need to fit in' them behave in a certain way or
develop certain habits that are hard to break
•Dressing, hairstyle, and sense of fashion also change, mostly to something
that you may not approve of.

•The most troubling behavior is perhaps hanging out with problem kids and
adapting to a dangerous lifestyle.

•Lying is one of the common behavioral issues. They may lie to avoid
confrontation with parents or out of fear.
5. Educational Challenges

• Pressure to perform academically and obtain college admission can be

stressful and tend them to be moody.

•Juggling school work, extra-curricular activities and chores at home can

be tiring.

•Distractions at school can result in poor academic performance .

Members:

Aishile Samira Bohol

April Joyce Atenta Cabidog

Julius Oliva Briones