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Meeting Needs of 9 12 Year Olds
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Children in the age group 9 to 12 years (middle school-aged) are continuing
all the developmental changes that began during the early elementary ages. They
are becoming pre-adolescents. You may have also heard of this group
referred to as "tweens." In addition to the changes going on
physically, mentally and socially, they are also beginning to develop serious
ideas about their plans for careers or vocational development.
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The Nine Year Old
- Gaining self-confidence
- Less quarreling
- Bursts of emotion and impatience
- Accepts failures and mistakes more realistically
- Loves to form clubs, be an officer in them
- Sense of humor is well-defined
- May begin to show signs of neglecting personal hygiene while
interest in clothing styles and fads begins to be important
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The Eleven Year Old
- Appetite increases
- At times can be loud, boorish and rude
- Tends to be moody, sensitive
- Interest in the opposite sex is changing
- Attitudes about school are changing
- Very active
- With strangers may be cooperative, friendly, lively and pleasant
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The Ten Year Old
- Beginning to agree logically
- Individual interest more long-lasting
- Loves trivia
- Enjoys taking and helping to plan outings
- May resent being told what to do, yet needs constant reminders
regarding routine responsibilities
- Relation with parents, siblings, teachers and friends at all-time
high
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The Twelve Year Old
- Outgoing, enthusiastic for short periods
- No longer wants to be considered a child
- Emphasis on "best" friend
- Participates less in family activities
- Talks frequently of opposite sex
- Emotions are extreme - either really likes something or really hates
it
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Sarah Staude, StaudeS@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, 4-H Youth
Cass County, Missouri
University of Missouri Extension
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