Normal Development: 10 Years Old
Physical Development
- Is energetic and spirited.
- Is usually awkward.
- Strives to be physically fit.
- Is fascinated with how the body works.
- May be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Enjoys bathroom humor.
Emotional Development
- Goes back and forth between dependent child and independent
pre-teen.
- Becomes more and more self-conscious.
Social Development
- Wants approval from significant people for being "good".
- Becomes preoccupied with the opposite sex.
- Relates to peer group intensely and abides by group
decisions.
- Gives in to peer pressure easily.
- Does not want to be "different".
- Likes to play in small groups.
- Confides constantly in best friend.
- Can be fickle.
Mental Development
- Is eager to learn and master new skills and proud of doing things well.
- Is concerned about personal abilities.
- Has some of his or her own standards of right and wrong
Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe
exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's
development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and
physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide
spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal.
Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of
showing a general progression through the developmental
stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal
development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a
child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones
later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you
review these milestones.
If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern
of development, check with your health care provider.
Written by Donna Warner Manczak, PhD, MPH and Robert Brayden, MD.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.